ASHEBORO, N.C. — A misunderstanding about the presence of a possible firearm caused panic at a youth football game in Asheboro on Saturday, according to the Asheboro Police Department.
Multiple people reached out to WFMY News 2 over the weekend about the incident, which happened Saturday during a 12U game between the Asheboro Blue Comets and Archdale Trinity WarDogs.
According to Asheboro Chief of Police Jay Hanson, a coach on one of the teams "thought they heard a parent say something about going to his vehicle to get a gun."
"Nautrally, chaos ensued and rumors spread," Hanson said in an email.
Hanson said the Asheboro Police Department investigated the incident, speaking to multiple witnesses who confirmed that the parent had never made such a threat. The game was cancelled because of the chaotic situation.
According to Facebook user Lyndsie T Smith, who was at the game Saturday, police swarmed the field with guns drawn and protective gear, shouting that there was an active shooter and for people to take cover
"I have never been SO SCARED in my life than I was today ..." Smith wrote in a post. "People were screaming, crying to find their kids. I have never in my life felt so hopeless and scared."
In a statement, the Asheboro Blue Comets said the situation was caused by "a false narrative, orchestrated by one game official." According to the team, the official has been banned from officiating games for both teams going forward.
"At no point was anyone in danger but given the circumstances, no one knew that until we could unravel the mystery of what was actually going on," the team said. "In the middle of all the chaos, we were grateful and thanful to see so many people trying to protect one another."
The WarDogs also released a statement, which painted a similar picture of the incident.
"There were some tensions with the referees, parents, coaches and players. Due to some issues getting out of hand and were not resolved, things escalated quickly. A referee was unable to handle the sutation and take control himself."
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