What law enforcement says about gun violence amid shooting outside of Laney Walker Football Game

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – There are questions tonight about security at local high school football games after shots were fired just outside of Laney’s stadium in the middle of Friday night’s game.

The incident happened off of Blount Avenue and Augusta Court, just feet away from where the Lucey Laney Football game was taking place this past Friday.

“I was sitting in my front room, and I thought it was a firecracker…,” Dorothy Johnson said.

Dorothy Johnson is very familiar with Lucy C. Laney High School and former school nurse. She says she’s shocked.

“I came to the door to look out and I saw all these police cars. So, I still don’t know what really happened. But it’s not a thing that happens all the time in this area.”

The incident took place during the third quarter of the game against Westside High school.

“We have a game plan in place, we have active communication. So, the quick response is the fact that the notification was immediate, we don’t have to wait,” Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree said.

Video shows players ducking and covering for safety on the field and fans in the stands looking for safety as well.

“Fortunately, enough a few years ago, the county invested into its own radio system so now any law enforcement agency, or any supporting agency, within the county can be immediately notified in case of a critical incident,”

Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree says safety is the number one priority for his team. 

“What we’ve been struggling with is gun violence– especially youth gun violence. I’ve said it multiple times before, it’s going to take an entire community to tackle this gun violence, and have these tough conversations with these kids’ bringing guns into homes and unfortunately, sometimes into school…”

So far, no suspects or arrests. Sheriff Roundtree says if you know or saw anything to please contact the Sheriff’s Office.

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