DURHAM, NC (Monday, February 23, 2026)– At approximately 11:00 a.m. today, Durham County Sheriff’s deputies intervened in an assault on the fourth floor of the Durham County Courthouse.

A deputy was escorting two female defendants following a hearing due to concerns over potential retaliation from a previous incident. As they exited the courtroom, a group waiting in the hallway began to assault the women. During the ensuing struggle, pepper spray was deployed by someone in the crowd. Additional deputies responded immediately, taking three individuals into custody. All three were treated by EMS for pepper spray exposure.

The following individuals have been charged with simple assault:

• Jellese Chance, 32
• Nickitta Chance, 28 (photo below)
• Tatianna Osborne, 25

 

Nickitta Chance is currently held at the Durham County Detention Center due to pending charges in an unrelated criminal case. The other two defendants were released on a written promise to appear.

A subsequent verbal altercation occurred while the parties were before a magistrate. Investigators believe all involved parties are known to one another and that the incident is linked to a separate, ongoing criminal investigation within the City of Durham. There does not appear to be a threat to the public.