School safety officer arrested on campus for voyeurism in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mississippi (WDAM) – A school safety officer for the Columbia School District is behind bars in Marion County for voyeurism.

According to the Marion County Correctional Facility's online jail roster, Tyson Rushing, 22, of Tylertown, was arrested Tuesday and charged with voyeurism.

District officials said the arrest occurred during class time at Columbia Elementary School.

At the time of his arrest, Rushing was the school safety officer for CSD.

The Columbia School District released a statement following the arrest to inform the public of the current situation.

The statement said the school district's investigation determined that no student was involved in the incident, and Rushing was immediately removed from school and arrested by Columbia police.

“We understand that this news may be alarming,” the school district said in its statement. “We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation being led by CPD under the direction of Interim Chief Brad Anderson.”

According to CSD, Rushing had only been employed by the police department and on duty in the school district for about two weeks before his arrest.

“Our highest priority is maintaining a safe school environment for our students and staff, and we are committed to fulfilling that duty,” the school district said.

Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie released a statement on behalf of the city in response to the incident.

“The city takes these allegations seriously and will take all necessary actions to ensure a thorough and independent investigation,” McKenzie said. “The safety of our children and the public is of the utmost importance.”

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