Reidsville, NC – Two Rockingham County employees were assaulted Friday during what authorities described as a hostage-type situation at a Reidsville grocery store, prompting a multi-agency law enforcement response.
According to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Friday, January 16, 2026, at Water Works Grocery, located at 1698 U.S. 29 Business in Reidsville. Deputies said the employees were transporting a juvenile when the situation escalated.
Officials stated that deputies from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office responded alongside officers from the Reidsville Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The juvenile was quickly apprehended and taken into custody at the scene.
Authorities reported that one Rockingham County employee sustained a minor injury during the incident, while the second employee was not injured. Both the employee and the juvenile were evaluated on scene by Rockingham County Emergency Services and later released.
The Rockingham County Juvenile Justice system and the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office were notified. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials noted that additional charges may be forthcoming.
Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities said the individual’s name will not be released.
According to the sheriff’s office, the juvenile has been charged by juvenile petition with multiple offenses, including larceny of property, willful and wanton injury to personal property, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, interfering with emergency communication, two counts of threats against executive, legislative, or court officers, attempted larceny of a motor vehicle, and attempted breaking and entering to terrorize.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Reidsville Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Rockingham County Emergency Services, Rockingham County Department of Social Services, Rockingham County Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Rockingham County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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