Father pulls son from Dixie County schools after alleged locker room battery

CROSS CITY, Fla. (WCJB) - A Dixie County father says he has pulled his son from the school system after what he describes as a pattern of bullying that ended in a violent locker room incident.

Dixie County Sheriff’s deputies say battery charges have now been filed against a juvenile in the case.

Caleb Bell says his family is now out of the district after he says multiple incidents left them fearing for their safety.

Recently, Bell says he was at his vehicle speaking with friends when he says coaches brought his son out, bloody and injured, after an alleged incident following football practice.

He says his son was in a condition that, in his words, required immediate medical attention.

Bell adds he believes there has been a pattern of concerns surrounding his son and other students.

He says his family now fears for their safety.

“There has been so much controversy even now, and I’m afraid, and my child’s afraid for his safety and our family’s safety to continue to, I guess, thrive in this town,” Bell said.

Bell also says he felt the school leaders’ statements about support did not line up with what he experienced.

“They stand before these men and tell them what leaders they are and how strong they are and how they’re a group and they’re family, and that didn’t convey that message to me at all, I was appalled by it,” he said.

He says the incident and past concerns led him to question the school environment and community culture.

“Dixie County used to be a fascinating place full of love and people, a community that was successful, the nepotism has brung us down,” Bell said.

In a statement, Dixie County Sheriff’s officials say they reviewed video and other evidence, then decided to file battery charges with the State Attorney’s Office. They added that details remain limited due to the involvement of juveniles.

Superintendent Mike Thomas says the incident began over a reported stolen item and occurred in a locker room where staff were present and intervened quickly.

He adds students behaving inappropriately could face discipline up to removal from school.

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