The Cayce Police Department announced the arrest Wednesday of a teacher at Cayce Elementary School accused of assaulting a special needs student.

Melanie Juliette Harris, who is listed as a special education teacher assistant on the school’s website, is charged with second degree assault, kidnapping and unlawful conduct towards a minor.

According to a release from the City of Cayce, the incident took place on May 20 and was brought to a school resource officer’s attention at about 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24.

“Officers immediately began investigating the incident and obtained a warrant within hours of being notified,” the release states.

The city provided an incident report, which identifies the complainant as Andrew Drozdak, principal of Cayce Elementary. The report identifies the student as male; his age is redacted, as is the section of the narrative that describes the specifics of the incident.

Lexington County School District 2, which oversees Cayce Elementary, issued a statement after the arrest:

“On May 24, we notified the Cayce Police Department of an incident involving an interaction between a teacher’s assistant and a student in a classroom at Cayce Elementary School. The District suspended the employee on the same day the incident occurred, and the employee was subsequently terminated on May 24.

“While Lexington Two is unable to comment on the specifics of the incident, the District is committed to ensuring the personal safety of all students. To that end, we have been cooperating with local law enforcement officials, and will continue to do so, as they investigate this matter.”

Ashley Hunter,  public information officer and media spokesperson for the City of Cayce, said the victim was held against their will during the incident. Hunter was unsure of the extent of the victim's injuries, but said they are not currently hospitalized.

“The relationships between our SROs and the students, staff and administration are paramount to safe schools,” the release states. “Cayce Police Department SROs work closely with our schools teaching classes, coaching sports, holding camps over the summer, mentoring and supporting all of the schools in Cayce.”

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.