1 charged in Lumberton High football game shooting; more arrests expected

A 17-year-old has been charged after shots were fired at the Lumberton Senior High School football game Friday night.

According to police, the shooting occurred around 8:54 p.m. in the parking lot of Alton G. Brooks Stadium, stopping the game in progress.

Officers found a vehicle that was seen speeding away from the parking lot. After a brief chase, the vehicle was stopped, and five individuals were taken into custody -- an 18-year-old man and four juvenile boys.

On Tuesday, police announced a 17-year-old male was charged with a variety of offenses, including possession of weapon on school campus/property, possession of a handgun by a minor, discharge firearm in city limits, resist delay and obstruct an officer, leaving the scene of an accident and driving while impaired.

The 17-year-old's name was not released. Police said more than one shooter was involved and they are working to find everyone connected. More arrests are expected.

No injuries have been reported so far, but two vehicles were struck by gunfire.

"My experience last night was unforeseen and unfortunate," said Lumberton Coach Dennis McFatten in a statement sent to WRAL News. "On a beautiful night of love and joy, players cry and want to know that their families are OK."

He said coaches had to hold back some of the players in the locker room who wanted to go out and make sure their families were safe.

"The youth of the community need heavy support and guidance," he said. "There has to be more involvement from the community."

McFatten said the community has a responsibility to help guide change.

"As one of my mentor coaches told me, 'if you are not coaching it, you are condoning it,'" he said. "If you are not getting involved with helping the youth of the community, you are a part of the problem."

"It truly takes a village to make it happen."

The rest of the game was played on Saturday with no fans. Red Springs defeated Lumberton 19-18.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Brent Chavis at 910-671-3845.