Football Game Suspended Due To Threat Of Gun Violence At Statesville High School

Statesville: Due to the threat of gun violence, the West Iredell at Statesville High School Football game was suspended Friday night.

West Iredell is leading the game by a score of 18 to 13 in the 3rd quarter.

Statesville Police Officers on special assignment observed Keonta N. Chambers, 20 of Statesville, who was wanted on eight outstanding felony warrants related to a shooting incident on September 4, 2023.

The shooting incident occurred at 212 Forest Hollow, injuring a 14-year-old. Chambers was apprehended without any further incident and is currently being held at the Iredell County Jail without bond for the outstanding warrants.

Chambers is being held without bond in the Iredell County Detention Center

While arresting Chambers, Officers observed marijuana and an open container of alcohol beside Shabaz Lovette, 28 of Statesville, who was seated in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle, uncovering a 9mm Glock pistol with an extended magazine in a bag concealed between the legs of Noel Alexander, 23 of Statesville, who was in the back seat.

As officers attempted to take Alexander into custody, he attempted to flee on foot leading to a foot pursuit by Officers. Alexander was taken into custody after the deployment of a taser. Alexander has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds, and Resisting Arrest.

Lovette was cited for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and possession of an open container.

Shortly after these arrests, the Statesville Police Department received information regarding a potential threat on social media involving the use of a firearm targeting individuals from West Iredell. As a precautionary measure, Officers notified school officials, leading to the decision to suspend the football game.

The contest will be resumed at 4:30 pm on Monday. No spectators will be allowed entry to the stadium.

Officers, with the assistance of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, ensured the safe and orderly evacuation of all attendees from the stadium, and the situation was resolved without incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

Photo: Statesville Police Department