Fight at Southern School of Energy & Sustainability Prompts Taser Use, Brief “Hold” Status

DURHAM, NC – A student fight at Southern School of Energy & Sustainability in Durham (Southern High School) on Tuesday morning (Sept. 30) escalated to the point that a school resource officer deployed a Taser to break it up, officials said. The incident temporarily placed the campus on a brief “Hold” safety status and sparked an ongoing investigation by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) in collaboration with Durham Public Schools.

Incident Details

According to DCSO, the altercation began shortly before 11:30 a.m. on campus. The school resource officer attempted to physically separate multiple individuals involved, but the fight continued. The deputy then deployed a Taser, causing participants to scatter.

No injuries were reported as a result of the Taser use. The school was placed on “Hold” status — meaning students remained in classrooms while staff secured the hallways — for about 20 minutes until deputies restored order.

Additional deputies responded to interview witnesses and those involved. DCSO says the matter remains under investigation and that potential criminal charges will be determined once participants are fully identified.

Call for Information

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Durham County Sheriff’s Office at 919-560-0900 or send anonymous tips via DPS Text-A-Tip by texting DPSTIP to 274637.

About Durham County Sheriff’s Office

One of the largest Sheriff’s Offices in North Carolina, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated Durham County. Close to 500 employees work in a variety of positions representing our office, including deputies, detention officers, and civilians. In addition to patrol and criminal investigations, DCSO operates the Durham County Detention Facility, provides courthouse security at the Durham County Courthouse, protects the animals of Durham County, and serves criminal warrants and numerous civil documents as mandated by State law. DCSO’s jurisdiction covers rural Durham County, sections of Research Triangle Park, urban areas within the City of Durham, as well as Interstates 85 and 40 connecting “the Triangle.”