16-year-old charged for allegedly stabbing a classmate at Durham’s Northern High
A 16-year-old male student was charged for allegedly stabbing another student at Northern High School, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday afternoon.
The student, whose name was not released because he is a juvenile, is accused of stabbing another classmate on Monday morning at approximately 10:55 a.m.
The Sheriff’s Office obtained juvenile petitions on charges of possession of a weapon on school grounds and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury.
The juvenile victim was hospitalized, and officials have not released an update on the student’s injuries or condition.
Northern High School on lockdown
The school was put on lockdown on Monday morning while the Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Durham deputies previously detained three students for questioning in the afternoon, according to a news release.
Durham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga called the incident a “scuffle” that “left one injured and another in the hands of law enforcement” in a statement Monday evening.
“While we are extremely happy that lives were spared, we are also committed to maintaining a safe, secure school environment for our students,” said Mubenga. “We don’t condone reckless behavior, and any threats to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Northern High School is a school of excellence and our expectations are high.”
Mubenga added that school counselors would be available Tuesday to speak with any student or staff member who needs help in the aftermath of the incident.
‘Schools are not immune to violence’
Durham Sheriff Clarence Birkhead spoke at a news conference outside of the school in the student parking lot before 1 p.m. He said that students are safe at Northern High School, which is located in his office’s jurisdiction.
“We’re going to continue to work together and continue to be prepared, because these things will happen, unfortunately,” said Birkhead. “Schools are not immune to violence or any incident of this nature. So that is why it is important that we ensure our public and our parents and our students, that we are going to do everything that we can to make sure that they are safe.”
Authorities didn’t specify what kind of weapon was used.
“Today we are very, very sad for the incident that happened on our campus today at Northern High School,” Mubenga said at the news conference. “(A) very unfortunate incident that involves probably three or four students.”
The lockdown at the school at 4622 North Roxboro St. was lifted around 1 p.m., reported ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner.
Northern High School’s campus is the newest Durham public school. It opened on Sept. 5 after a delay.
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This story was originally published September 11, 2023 at 2:16 PM.
CORRECTION: Northern High School opened on Sept. 5, not Aug. 31.
