Hillside High student in Durham charged in ‘disturbance’ that sent teacher to hospital
A Hillside High School student faces assault and arson charges after a “lunchtime disturbance” that sent a teacher to the hospital, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
During lunch, a female student reportedly discharged pepper spray and set a trash can on fire, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Five people were near the student and affected by the spray, including the teacher who was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Pending juvenile petitions being granted, the student faces four charges of assault, one charge of assault on a government official — the teacher — and one count of arson, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Sheriff’s Office will not name the student because of her age.
This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 3:28 PM.
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