As the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a series of fights Monday at the county high school in Gaston, Sheriff Jack Smith confirmed this afternoon approximately 40 students were involved.
He said the call came in around 1:30 p.m. there were multiple fights which occurred in the cafeteria.
Smith said eight students 16 and older have been charged with felony inciting a riot, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. The names of those students were not immediately available.
Four juveniles face similar charges and were released to the custody of their parents or guardians.
It is still unclear what prompted the fights and thus far there is no evidence weapons were used.
Smith said as soon as the fights broke out staff and the school resource officer stepped in to break them up.
The SRO called for assistance from surrounding agencies. More fights broke out as staff and the SRO tried to get the fighting to cease.
Responding officers began clearing hallways and EMS was dispatched to treat those with minor injuries from the fighting or those trying to escape the cafeteria.
Pepper spray was deployed, Smith said.
It was still not immediately clear how many students were injured and transported or whether any had severe affects from use of the pepper spray.
Smith said investigation into the matter continues and further charges could be pending.
Smith said eight students 16 and older have been charged with felony inciting a riot, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. The names of those students were not immediately available.
Four juveniles face similar charges and were released to the custody of their parents or guardians.
It is still unclear what prompted the fights and thus far there is no evidence weapons were used.
Smith said as soon as the fights broke out staff and the school resource officer stepped in to break them up.
The SRO called for assistance from surrounding agencies. More fights broke out as staff and the SRO tried to get the fighting to cease.
Responding officers began clearing hallways and EMS was dispatched to treat those with minor injuries from the fighting or those trying to escape the cafeteria.
Pepper spray was deployed, Smith said.
It was still not immediately clear how many students were injured and transported or whether any had severe affects from use of the pepper spray.
Smith said investigation into the matter continues and further charges could be pending.