Authorities: Fight Over Girl Sparked High School Melee

Durham, N.C. — An argument over a girl apparently started a melee outside Northern High School Monday morning in which one student was injured and several were arrested, authorities said Tuesday.

Hundreds of Northern High students were gathered on the school's football field Monday morning when several fights broke out among groups of students. The school had been evacuated because of a bomb threat.

One student was injured and had to be taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Eight other students were charged with disorderly conduct.

On Tuesday morning, authorities also arrested Eric Wiggins, 17, at the school and charged him with assault inflicting serious injury.

Investigators said they believe Wiggins was one of the instigators of the melee, said Capt. John Flamion, of the Durham County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities are reviewing a videotape of the incident, and more arrests are expected, Flamion said. He declined to say how the tape was obtained.

The incident isn't believed to be gang-related, he said, because none of the suspects are "validated" gang members.

Additional security was posted Tuesday at Northern and at Riverside High School. At Riverside, deputies said they intervened to prevent a fight between two groups.