A 42-year-old North Carolina teacher has been arrested after allegedly assaulting another woman at a Sam’s Club in South Carolina on Valentine’s Day. Ashley Murff was charged with one count of third-degree assault and battery following the reported altercation at the store on Fashion Drive in Columbia.
Deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene around 1:15 p.m. on Feb. 14 after receiving reports of a fight that allegedly involved the use of a racial slur. According to reports, the victim told deputies she was waiting in line for a rotisserie chicken when Murff, who was standing behind her, allegedly used a racial slur, sparking a verbal dispute. The victim said she attempted to take a photo of Murff during the argument, at which point Murff allegedly punched her in the face. Witnesses reportedly intervened and separated the two.
Murff allegedly left the store before deputies arrived. Authorities later identified her through surveillance footage and secured a warrant for her arrest.
Employment Status and Investigation
Murff is employed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and works at Winget Park Elementary School in Charlotte. The district has reportedly suspended her with pay pending the outcome of an investigation.
Booked Into Detention Center
Murff was booked Wednesday morning into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. Information regarding her initial court appearance was not immediately available.
