Lexington High School Placed Under Security Protocol Following Parent Incident
Lexington, South Carolina – A security incident at River Bluff High School prompted the school to enter a secure status on Wednesday after a parent illegally entered the building and threatened an employee. The Lexington Police Department reported that the situation unfolded when 34-year-old Danielle Cato first bypassed the school’s security measures.
What Happened
The alarming event occurred in the front lobby of the high school, where Cato was seen acting suspiciously. She managed to circumvent security protocols and made her way into the library, where she confronted a school employee. The police stated that Cato was yelling, cursing, and even threatening to assault the employee, which raised immediate concern.
When and Where
This incident took place on Wednesday afternoon at River Bluff High School, located on Corley Mill Road near the Saluda River and Exit 61 on Interstate 20. Officers quickly responded to the situation after being alerted about the suspicious behavior.
Why the Incident Occurred
While the exact reasons behind Cato’s actions remain unclear, the event caused enough alarm for the school to take precautionary measures. Due to her aggressive behavior, the school went into a secure status, evacuating students from common areas for their safety.
Arrest and Charges
Following the escalation, Cato was chased by the employee into the front lobby area, where school resource officers were notified and subsequently arrested her. She now faces charges including disturbing schools and third-degree assault & battery. The Lexington County Detention Center processed Cato after the arrest. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
School Response
In a statement released the following day, a spokesperson for the Lexington 1 school district affirmed that Cato was informed by a bond court that she is prohibited from entering any school district property or attending any school events. “District and school leaders are grateful that this was an isolated incident that was resolved quickly due to the swift response of school employees, law enforcement, and students,” wrote district spokesperson Libby Roof.
Continued Security Measures
In light of this unsettling event, the school district emphasized its commitment to strict security measures. The authority recognizes that incidents of this nature can be distressing, and counseling support will be available for students and employees as needed.
Potential Consequences for the Accused
If convicted on the misdemeanor charge of disturbing schools, Cato could face a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. A conviction for the third-degree assault & battery charge carries a potential sentence of up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as more details may emerge. This report will be updated as additional information becomes available. Residents and students are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to ensure the safety of their community.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
