West Carroll Assistant Teacher Charged with Assault

Bernard Lykes, a retired teacher now working as an educational assistant at West Carroll Junior/Senior High School, was charged with assault of a 15-year-old student at the school in Atwood.

The affidavit says, Mr. Lykes assaulted a 15-year-old student in the lunchroom. “Bernard Lykes committed the above offense (assault) by slapping and punching a 15-year-old during an altercation that occurred in the lunchroom at West Carroll Junior/Senior High School.

Bernard is also accused of coercion or persuasion of the witness, according to court documents. Bernard Lykes committed the above offense by going to the office where a 15-year-old student was waiting to speak with the assistant principal in reference to the assault against him in the lunchroom. "Mr. Lykes tried getting big on him and told him he needed to drop it or he would be suspended,” according to the affidavit.

Lykes was arrested under a  $10,000 bond in Carroll County General Sessions Court. He made bond and was released from the Carroll County Jail at 7:50 p.m. on September 17. 

Mr. Lykes has had a long career of teaching and coaching.