Suspect arrested after incident at homecoming ball on Saturday night

PEARSON, Ga. (WALB) – One person was arrested. Police were alerted to a suspicious person at the Homecoming dance in Pearson late Saturday night.

At around 11:13 p.m. on Saturday, Pearson Police posted on Facebook that an Atkinson County Sheriff's officer and deputy were in the Dollar General parking lot when they were approached by a juvenile who said there was someone in “The Venue” with a gun and a mask.

Both officers then quickly entered the building where the dance was taking place. They split up and went to the front and back entrances, where juveniles came out and ran toward the tree line and parking lot.

According to police, witnesses on scene were able to provide a description of the suspect. Officers then made contact with a man on site who matched the description.

During the contact, the suspect initially denied involvement, according to police, but later spontaneously admitted to having a ski mask with him. He denied owning a weapon.

Officers did not find a firearm on the suspect, but did find a ski mask. They continued to search the area anyway.

The suspect was arrested and taken to the Atkinson County Jail.

According to officials, no injuries were reported and no shots were fired.

“We would like to remind everyone that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone whose children were at the dance tonight and saw anything is urged to contact Tri-County 911. Every detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can be important,” the police department said in a post.

WALB is working to find out more.

Do you have a news tip or do you see an error that needs to be corrected? Let us know. Please include the title of the article in your message.

To stay up to date with all the latest news, follow WALB on on facebook. And X (Twitter)For more news from South Georgia, download the WALB News app from Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2024 WALB. All rights reserved.