Orange County Sheriff's Office - North Carolina

08/28/2026

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕷𝖔𝖜𝖉𝖔𝖜𝖓

Our communication manager, Alicia Stemper, is retiring next week. She has been in the position since February 2019, telling the people we serve the story of our work in both

08/28/2026

The Sheriff's Office is gearing up for weekly weigh-ins -- but not the kind you might expect!
We are training for the September 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 competition to see which county partners can collect the most non-perishable food.
As competitive as we are, we can't do it alone. Please bring your donations to our office at 106 E. Margaret Lane throughout the month. Join us as we work to feed Orange County.

08/25/2026

STUDENT ASSAULTS TWO STAFF MEMBERS AT PARTNERSHIP ACADEMY


Hillsborough, NC (August 25, 2026) – A School Resource Officer (SRO) from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office detained a student this afternoon who assaulted two staff members at Partnership Academy. The SRO will coordinate with the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention regarding legal consequences.
The administration placed the campus on a brief lock down, after which, the school resumed a normal schedule. There is no ongoing danger to students or staff.
As the alleged perpetrator is a minor, state law prohibits the Sheriff’s Office from releasing additional information.
“At times like these, we are reminded of how important it is that we share a strong commitment to student and staff safety with our partners at the Orange County Schools,” said Chief Deputy Tina Sykes.
# # #

08/24/2026

Howerton Found Safe

Byrce Howerton has been located. He is safe and unharmed. Thank you for your concern.

08/24/2026

UPDATE:
Bryce has been located. He is safe, unharmed, and on his way home. Thank you!

DEPUTIES SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM THE PUBLIC AS THEY SEARCH FOR MISSING MAN

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the public as they search for Bryce Howerton, 19, of Rougemont.
Mr. Howerton has autism and is high functioning. He is verbal, goes by Bryce, and will answer to his name. He left home sometime after dark last night wearing a green and white striped polo shirt, black basketball shorts, and black Crocs. He is five feet, 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 145 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes.
Family members are very concerned as wandering from home is not typical behavior for Bryce. If you see him, please speak to him calmly and call 911.
# # #

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

Ready for Day #1!
Orange County Schools, NC

08/20/2026

We are looking forward to welcoming students to school on Monday!
Orange County Schools, NC

08/20/2026

School Resource Officers carry one of the greatest responsibilities in law enforcement: helping to protect our children. Such a responsibility requires preparation, proficiency, and a commitment to continuous training.
Despite the 90+ degree heat, Orange County SROs trained outside today, sharpening skills, and building proficiency with the equipment and tactics necessary to protect no matter what they encounter.
Our SROs don't simply work in our schools. They become part of them. They know the students, build relationships with families and staff, and protect the learning environment.
Train. Prepare. Protect. Serve.
We’ll see you Monday.

08/18/2026

Good morning, Facebook friends. The STRANDS puzzle from the New York Times today has us thinking about scams. In fact, we are surprised “scam” is not one of the answers, because the theme today is all about trickery. Strands is a word search game with a twist - there is no list of words to guide you as you play. Good luck!