GASTON – Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith said about 40 students engaged in fist fights here Monday afternoon at Northampton County High School, now located in Gaston.

EMS units from Gaston and the county responded to the scene to treat injuries, but the sheriff said there were no serious injuries. Other law enforcement agencies also came to the school to render assistance, including the Gaston Police Department, the Highway Patrol, and Roanoke Rapids Police.

Smith said 10 students were arrested. Six (ages 16-17) were charged as adults. Four were under the age of 16 and were served with juvenile petitions.

The sheriff said Stephen J. Ashe, 17, Patrick Ransome, 16, Catrice Ransome, 17, Malani Hill, 16, and Tarek Deloatch,16, were all charged with felony inciting a riot. Dre-quan Taylor, 16, was charged with disorderly conduct.

The four juveniles were charged with the same crimes – disorderly conduct and felony inciting a riot.

The incidence was called in to the sheriff’s office at 1:30 Monday afternoon and the school was placed on lockdown until the end of the school day.

Sheriff Smith encourages parents and students to talk to one another to try to prevent future problems at school. NCHS also has a school resource officer and counselor that students are encouraged to talk to if they know of the potential for violent conflict.