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Hillside High School student dies, another hospitalized after shooting on American Tobacco Trail in Durham

Durham police found the teens were shot on Wednesday afternoon at Riddle Road near Fayetteville Street.

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By
WRAL Staff
DURHAM, N.C. — A teenage boy has died and another was hospitalized after a shooting Wednesday afternoon on the American Tobacco Trail near Hillside High School.

Durham Public Schools said the teen who died attended Hillside High School and the teen hospitalized is a student at the school.

Authorities took both teens to the hospital. Durham police found the teens were shot at about 1 p.m. Wednesday on Riddle Road near Fayetteville Street. Police are asking the public to avoid the area.

Riddle Road was closed between Alfred and Fayetteville streets.

Sky 5 flew over the scene, and say a large police presence.

WRAL News has asked Durham police if officers made any arrests, but they said couldn't talk about it.

Police said they were searching the area for evidence, but wouldn't comment beyond that.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 919-560-4440 extension 29332 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.

Even though the shooting happened away from campus, Hillside High School will have extra security Thursday. A message went out to parents that said they will have increased law enforcement presence, and counselors will also be on hand to support students.

Durham schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga said, "I am heartsick about the loss of one of our students. His family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers—but we need more than thoughts and prayers. Our students are clamoring for an end to gun violence and our community must come together to deliver it."

Radio traffic reveals terrifying scene

Broadcastify radio traffic reveals the audio of the police response.

"Subject shot on the trail behind the school," the traffic said.

Radio traffic also stated two people were shot, including a 15-year-old shot in the foot.

One of the boys shot was in the woods behind a nearby store, radio traffic stated.

Nearby schools were under a secure status

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Hillside High School and W.G. Pearson Elementary were taken off secure status.

Under a secure status, no one is allowed in or out of the building but students and staff can move freely within the building, according to a district spokesperson.

Parents lined up outside the schools to pick up their children.

Hillside High School was put under a secure status for about two hours on Wednesday afternoon.

At about 4 p.m., Durham police officers and Durham County sheriff's deputies left Hillside High School.

Community reacts to the shooting

The shooting happened behind a building with two dentist offices. Dr. Kisha Flood works at one of them.

"It just really makes my heart very sad," Flood said. "I'm really emotional about it.

"That's why I'm trying to leave and just go and get my thoughts together because ... It's just heartbreaking for anyone to go through this in a community as nice as Durham."

A grandmother of Hillside High School senior said it's not the first time she's had to wait to pick up her granddaughter.

"It's just ridiculous," she said. "It's really ridiculous. As parents, we're just fed up."

Another employee who did not want to be named said she saw some of the shooting as she was about to go to lunch. She described hearing about 10 gunshots and seeing kids with backpacks running. She said another boy put a gun into his waistband.

On Wednesday, WRAL News spoke with Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton. He said gun violence is haunting Durham and that all options are on the table to deal with the issue.

"We have a gun violence issue here in the city. and it’s got to be top of mind for us every day we wake up," Middleton said.

In January 2023, there were nine shootings reported within a two-mile radius of this location, according to shooting incident data received through a public records request.

Authorities said there will be extra security at Hillside High tomorrow, as well as counselors to any students who need them.

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