Antioch High School student pepper-sprays teacher over seized phone in shocking viral video; Teenager arrested for assault after classroom confrontation

Students at Antioch High School in Nashville have once again found themselves at the center of controversy over their conduct toward teachers. In the latest incident, teacher Caleb Bates was assaulted by 18-year-old student Kayla Smith, who allegedly pepper-sprayed him after he confiscated her phone during class. A disturbing video of the attack quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage and renewed calls for stricter measures - such as banning cell phones or using signal jammers in schools - to maintain discipline and prevent similar incidents in the future.


Smith, who was expelled following the incident, was arrested shortly afterward and now faces criminal charges. The situation is particularly concerning as it marks the second time teacher Bates has been attacked over classroom discipline. Just two months earlier, another student reportedly punched him after being caught cheating. These recurring incidents highlight the increasing difficulties teachers encounter when trying to uphold basic rules and maintain a safe learning environment.


In a recent separate incident on October 31, Antioch High School’s varsity football team was forced to forfeit its Thursday night game following violations of the school district’s code of conduct, according to the principal.

"While I am legally prohibited from sharing specific details about the incident, I can confirm that the matter involves a significant portion of the varsity football team," Antioch High School Principal John Jimno wrote in the letter, as quoted by nbcbayarea.com, to the school community.

A video circulating on social media shows several individuals throwing clothing and a helmet at a teenager inside a locker room. According to NBC Bay Area, those involved have been identified as Antioch High School football players. The footage captures the teen screaming as he attempts to escape the assault.

In a tragic incident earlier this year, a shooting at Antioch High School on January 22, 2025, left one female student dead and another injured. According to police, the shooter, identified as 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, opened fire on two students in the school cafeteria before killing with a handgun.