LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A peaceful night turned chaotic at Pleasure Ridge Park High School on Sunday, September 30, 2024, when a double shooting interrupted a high school football game. Authorities responded quickly to the situation, leading to the arrest of a 22-year-old man named Damon Jerome Williams Jr. just moments after the gunfire.
According to court records, Williams was found throwing away two guns just behind the visitor bleachers. He faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a weapon on school property and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. However, it should be noted that Williams has not been charged with the actual shooting incidents that left two juveniles injured. A spokesperson for the local school district clarified that Williams’ arrest was not directly linked to the shooting.
Witnesses informed officers that, minutes after the shots rang out shortly after 8 p.m., they saw Williams, dressed in black pants and a white hoodie, discarding the firearms. When police apprehended him, they stated that he admitted to bringing the guns to the game for personal protection, claiming that he and his cousin were from a neighborhood where they felt threatened.
The situation became serious as one victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds and taken to the University of Louisville Hospital in critical condition. A second victim arrived at a local hospital with injuries that were fortunately stabilized. The game was subsequently suspended, and all players were rushed to their locker rooms while spectators were asked to leave.
Local authorities, including the Louisville Metro Police, are urging residents in the neighborhood to check their home surveillance systems for any footage that may help with the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the event is encouraged to provide tips anonymously.
This incident has raised concerns about safety at community events, and officials are working to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
