Seventh-grader assaults principal at Williston

The principal of Williston Middle School was assaulted by a seventh-grade student Wednesday morning, school officials said. The student, a 13-year-old boy, has been charged with assault on a government official, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. They did not disclose his name.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which occurred before school began, said Valita Quattlebaum, spokeswoman for New Hanover County schools.

Students of the 10th Street school were allowed to wait inside the gymnasium Wednesday morning because of the cold weather. A student, whose name was not released, was running along the bleachers and asked by school employees and Principal MaryPaul Beall to stop, Quattlebaum said.

The student didn’t listen, so school officials and a school resource officer tried to escort the student from the area. He pulled away and tackled Beall to the floor, Quattlebaum said.

The principal and two other staff members were “slightly injured” and taken to an outpatient clinic for a check-up, Quattlebaum said.

The school system is taking “appropriate disciplinary action,” Quattlebaum said.

Chris Mazzolini