Crowd Fogger Used to Break Up Fights at Edgecombe County High School Game

Several fights involving students and adults prompted deputies to deploy crowd control measures.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Edgecombe County deputies had to use a crowd control fogger to stop multiple fights that broke out at a high school basketball game between North Edgecombe High School and Wilson Prep on Friday night. According to the Edgecombe County Public Schools superintendent, the deputies attempted to de-escalate the fights, but ultimately had to deploy the fogger to stop the violence. No injuries were reported, but the incident is under investigation by school administrators and the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Department.

Why it matters

Outbreaks of violence at high school sporting events are concerning, as they can put students, families, and staff at risk. This incident highlights the need for improved security measures and conflict resolution protocols at such events to ensure the safety of all attendees.

The details

Several fights involving both students and adults broke out in the gym after the North Edgecombe High School/Wilson Prep basketball game concluded on Friday night. Edgecombe County deputies who were providing security for the game attempted to de-escalate the situation, but ultimately had to deploy a crowd control fogger to stop the fighting altogether. EMS was called to examine a few spectators, but no injuries were reported.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 21, 2026 after the North Edgecombe High School/Wilson Prep basketball game.

The players

Andy Bryan

Edgecombe County Public Schools superintendent.

Edgecombe County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and deployed crowd control measures.

North Edgecombe High School

One of the high schools involved in the basketball game where the fights broke out.

Wilson Prep

The other high school involved in the basketball game where the fights broke out.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

School administrators and the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Department continue to investigate the incident, which has been reported by North Edgecombe High School to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved security measures and conflict resolution protocols at high school sporting events to ensure the safety of all attendees. Schools and law enforcement must work together to address the root causes of violence and find ways to de-escalate tensions before they boil over.