What started as a high school softball game between two local teams turned into a chaotic scene, leading to the arrest of six adults after a brawl broke out in the stands. The incident occurred on May 23 during a game between Belton-Honea Path High School and Crescent High School at the Belton-Honea Path campus in Anderson County, South Carolina.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, an argument among spectators quickly escalated into a physical confrontation involving multiple adults. What began as verbal disagreements during the game soon turned into punches, shoves, and disorderly conduct that disrupted the school event and left other spectators shocked.
Initial Arrests
Deputies were called to the scene and initially arrested four individuals:
- Dillon Kyler Chapman
- Brianna Brown (Chapman’s wife)
- Donald Chapman (Dillon’s father)
- Wayne Smith
Each of the individuals was charged with disturbing a school, a charge under South Carolina law aimed at maintaining safety and order in educational environments. They were each released on a $2,000 bond after processing.
Under South Carolina Code of Laws, disturbing a school is a misdemeanor offense that covers a wide range of behaviors including threats, physical violence, and other disruptive conduct that interferes with school activities. More about this can be found at the.
Further Investigation and Additional Arrests
Following the initial arrests, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office continued investigating the incident. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from the event and conducted multiple witness interviews, which led to the arrest of two more adults connected to the fight.
On May 24, officials confirmed the arrest of:
- Charles Rudder
- Stoney Plumley
Both individuals were also charged with disturbing a school and were released on $2,000 bonds.
Deputies said the new evidence made it clear that these individuals were active participants in the altercation. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out additional charges as they continue to gather information.
Statement from the School District
Anderson School District Two, which oversees Belton-Honea Path High School, released a statement expressing disappointment over the violent incident. The district emphasized its commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for both students and spectators.
“We are deeply disappointed by the behavior of certain individuals during this week’s softball game. Our schools are meant to be safe spaces for student-athletes, staff, and fans. We will not tolerate any acts of violence or disruptions,” the statement read.
District officials also reassured families that they would review internal safety policies to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. The South Carolina Department of Education outlines policies on school safety that districts must adhere to, which can be reviewed on ed.sc.gov.
What Happens Next?
Though no injuries were officially reported during the incident, the sheriff’s office stated that investigations into the roles of other individuals are still underway. Authorities are also reviewing whether any juveniles were involved in the altercation or if additional school-related penalties will follow.
The fight has prompted public concern among parents and community members, who are calling for increased security and crowd control measures at high school sporting events.
As the story continues to unfold, law enforcement and school officials have asked anyone who may have recorded the incident or has additional information to come forward.
For those seeking to understand the legal implications of charges like “disturbing a school,” you can visit the official site of the South Carolina Judicial Department for further clarity on criminal proceedings and public access to court records.
