WARNING: This video (NC SRO slams student) may be disturbing for some viewers.
The video of a former North Carolina school resource officer (SRO) body slamming an 11-year-old boy in Vance County Middle School’s hallway surfaced last Thursday. Those who’ve seen the video are still in disbelief that the child, who endured a violent attack, suffered injuries including a bruised skull and injured shoulder. Warren Durham, the SRO, was also a Vance County Sheriff’s Deputy.
In the video, the young boy is body-slammed twice, than dragged down the hall. Minutes after the attack, the Henderson-based school notified Vance County Sheriff’s Department. Reportedly, an arrest warrant has been served for Durham. Prior to Thursday’s events, Durham, who’s worked at Vance County Middle School for two years, was reported for an alleged incident involving a female student, which was reported by the girl’s parents.
Outrage followed the incident, as did the firing of Durham, who faces misdemeanor assault and child abuse charges, according to a statement from District Attorney Mike Waters.
North Carolina laws stood in the way of Durham receiving anything beyond misdemeanor charges as the student’s injuries weren’t considered serious. “Had the child had more severe injuries, we would be having a different discussion, but we don’t have that in this case,” Mike Waters, district attorney of the 9th Judicial District in North Carolina said at a press conference.
The child’s grandfather, John Miles, has been quoted as saying he’ll travel to the state capital of Raleigh to petition for stronger laws against such actions.
A statement released by Vance County Schools said, “We are aware of the incident that occurred at Vance County Middle School involving a school resource officer. We are deeply concerned by the actions that took place. School and district officials are working closely and in full cooperation with the local authorities to address this matter consistent with school board policy and state laws. The safety of our students has been and continues to be of the utmost importance to our district.”
The maximum punishment Durham can face is 120 days in jail