Nashville Student Arrested After Pepper-Spraying Teacher Over Confiscated Phone at Antioch High School
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A shocking incident at Antioch High School has sparked outrage and renewed concern over classroom violence after an 18-year-old student pepper-sprayed her teacher during a confrontation over a confiscated cellphone.
According to Metro Nashville Police, the student — identified as Kayla Smith — allegedly sprayed her teacher, Caleb Bates, after he took her phone during class on Friday. The altercation was captured on video by other students and quickly circulated on social media, drawing national attention.
Police confirmed that Smith was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with assault.
Teacher Attacked Over Classroom Rules
The video shows Bates attempting to calm the student as the situation escalates. Moments later, Smith appears to pull out a can of pepper spray and sprays him in the face, forcing him to crouch down in pain while nearby students react in disbelief.
Officials say this wasn’t the first time Bates had been attacked by a student. Just two months earlier, he was punched in the face by another student after catching them cheating on an assignment — part of what educators describe as an alarming rise in physical altercations between students and teachers.
Growing Concern Over Teacher Safety
Following the attack, Antioch High School administrators called police to the scene and immediately expelled Smith. Bates was treated for irritation caused by the spray and is expected to recover.
The Metro Nashville Public Schools district released a statement condemning the attack and reaffirming its support for staff, saying it would “not tolerate violence of any kind against educators.”
“This situation reflects a broader issue,” one teacher said anonymously. “We’re seeing more and more students lash out when asked to follow simple rules. Teachers shouldn’t have to fear for their safety just for enforcing policy.”
Community Reaction and Legal Outcome
Smith is facing criminal charges of assault and could also face additional disciplinary action. Prosecutors confirmed the case will be reviewed by the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident has ignited widespread debate on social media, with parents and educators calling for stronger disciplinary standards and better classroom security measures. Many have pointed to increasing behavioral challenges in post-pandemic classrooms as a contributing factor.
“This is exactly what we mean when we say teachers are under attack,” one user wrote. “They can’t even take a phone without risking violence.”
As investigations continue, Antioch High School has increased on-campus security and counseling resources to help both staff and students cope with the incident.
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