A midday lunch period at Hillside High School erupted into chaos Thursday when a trash can fire and a chemical spray in the cafeteria left five people sick and sent a teacher to the hospital, according to authorities. Students and staff rushed to evacuate as the lunchroom was cleared and the area secured.
According to ABC11, investigators say a Hillside student, whose age is being withheld, is accused of setting a trash can on fire and discharging pepper spray inside the cafeteria. The outlet reports that five people nearby were affected and that the student now faces charges of assault, assault on a government official and arson.
Where it happened and district policy
Hillside High is located at 3727 Fayetteville Street in Durham and is one of Durham Public Schools' long‑standing campuses, according to Durham Public Schools. The district’s rules on weapons and protective devices are clear. Pepper spray and similar defensive sprays are explicitly banned, and students are warned that possession can lead to school discipline and referral to law enforcement, as outlined in the Hillside student handbook.
Past safety scares at the campus
Hillside has dealt with other serious safety concerns in recent years, including a 2023 shooting near campus and several lockdowns that rattled students, staff and nearby residents. Those incidents and the wider community conversations about school security they sparked have been chronicled by local reporters, including WRAL.
Investigation and charges
Authorities have listed the charges in the cafeteria incident as assault, assault on a government official and arson, according to ABC11. Officials have not released additional identifying information about the student while the case moves forward.
Parents, students and community members are awaiting word from Durham Public Schools and local authorities about next steps and any additional safety measures. This story will be updated as more information becomes available from officials.
