News Summary
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is requesting public assistance in identifying a suspect linked to an assault that happened outside Schooners Bar. The incident occurred on June 15, leaving the victim injured. Additionally, a teacher from White Knoll High School faces charges for third-degree assault against a student. The sheriff’s department underscores the importance of community cooperation in both cases to maintain safety and address ongoing concerns regarding public and school environments.
Lexington, SC – The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in an assault that occurred at Schooners Bar on Longs Pond Road on June 15. Early in the morning, authorities found a victim injured and lying on the ground outside the establishment. No further details surrounding the incident have been released at this time.
The sheriff’s department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-888-CRIMESC. Tips that lead to an arrest could earn individuals a reward for their assistance. The authorities emphasize that public cooperation is vital in solving this case and ensuring community safety.
In a separate but significant incident, a teacher from White Knoll High School, identified as Fritzie Suerto Refamonte, has been charged with third-degree assault and battery. This incident occurred on January 14, where it was reported that Refamonte, aged 45, was involved in a confrontational situation with a nonverbal student. According to the investigation, Refamonte allegedly instructed the student to “hit yourself, not the teacher” as part of a disciplinary action, raising serious concerns over appropriate conduct in a school setting.
Investigations into Refamonte’s actions were conducted after complaints were made by the student’s guardians. Three witnesses have corroborated the claims against her, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior. As a result, law enforcement took action. Refamonte was arrested at her home on Wednesday morning and is currently held in the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting further legal proceedings.
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding safety in both public and school environments. The sheriff’s department is focused on community collaboration to address these issues, particularly emphasizing the importance of public involvement in the investigation surrounding the bar assault. Ensuring the safety of all residents remains a top priority for local law enforcement.
As the investigation into the bar assault continues, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is expected to release more information when available. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged, as their assistance may prove crucial in resolving these cases effectively.
For anyone with details related to either situation, cooperation with law enforcement is essential. Efforts to maintain a safe community depend not only on the police but also on vigilant and responsive residents. Collectively, the public’s actions can lead to greater accountability and improved safety for all.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Deputies Seeking Information on Assault at Lexington County Bar
- ABC Columbia: Lexington County Deputies Searching for Assault Suspect
- Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: Teacher Charged with Assaulting Student
- Wikipedia: Assault
- MSN: Lexington County Man Sentenced for Sexual Assault
- Google Search: Lexington County assault incident
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.
