Law enforcement officers resorted to pepper spray to break up a brawling group of men in the lobby at a high school basketball game in North Carolina.
In Louisburg, N.,C, the Louisburg and Franklinton junior varsity basketball teams had just finished their game at Louisburg College when several men started fighting in the lobby, WRAL-TV reported.
The brawl happened before the varsity team's game started, officials and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies told WRAL-TV that the men scattered after they were pepper sprayed. The people involved in the fight are believed to be former students.
“The things that they’re doing are not just putting the people they’re mad at in danger; they’re putting everyone in danger,” parent Cyndel Wilson told WRAL-TV.
A similar fight took place recently in Vance County. Louisburg Magnet High School’s game against Vance County High School was cut short due to a brawl on the court after the first quarter. Gun shots were also fired shortly after the incident, WRAL-TV reported. That game was rescheduled to Monday, and only immediate family members were allowed to enter.
The Louisburg and Franklinton junior varsity basketball teams had just finished their game at Louisburg College when a fight broke out just before the varsity teams took the court. https://t.co/HgzO8BlJWf
— Franklin County News (@FranklinCoNews) December 12, 2023
“Here we go once again, can’t go to a game, can’t be peaceful. It’s a lot of chaos once again,” Wilson told the news station.
She said her son, a bystander, was hit while he was trying to get out of the way of the fight. She shared photos of bruising on her son’s side.
“He’s just trying to play basketball and go home. It’s turning into way more than that, and it’s not fair to the kids,” Wilson said.
In a message sent out to parents, Louisburg Magnet High School principal said:
“Louisburg Magnet High School Families, Due to an altercation that took place during the intermission of the Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball games at Louisburg College, we have made the decision to cancel tonight’s Varsity game. According to officers, a group of adult males (not students) began fighting in the gymnasium lobby. The officers utilized pepper spray to intervene, and the men fled the scene. The safety and security of our students, staff, and community members at our school events is of the utmost importance. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all. Please know that we are taking appropriate measures to address this incident and ensure the continued safety of our events. We are working closely with local authorities and our school security team in this regard. It is disappointing that our students and families cannot enjoy a basketball game without disruption from others. We appreciate your understanding and support in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for our students. Thank you for being a part of our school community.”
WRAL-TV reported that no students or players were involved in either fight.
Wilson said she wants the school districts to consider adding security and safety measures at high school basketball games.
Louisburg police chief Jason Abbott told WRAL-TV that no arrests were made at the game. Investigators are looking for the people involved.
It’s not clear if Louisburg’s game against Franklinton will be rescheduled.
