INWOOD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Several individuals were arrested following a disturbance at a youth basketball tournament held April 12 at the Randy Smith Center in Berkeley County, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Leake was providing security at the tournament, which featured teams from multiple jurisdictions, when authorities were required to intervene in several incidents throughout the event to maintain order.
As the tournament concluded and attendees began to leave, the situation escalated in the parking lot.
According to officials, Deputy Leake observed two women who had been involved in earlier disturbances.
Although an alleged assault had been reported earlier in the day, the victim declined to pursue charges.
One of the individuals, identified as Kieanna Veney, 30, of Weyers Cave, Virginia, became confrontational and indicated she intended to continue the altercation outside the facility.
Authorities said Veney ignored verbal warnings and continued aggressive behavior, advancing toward another woman in a threatening manner.
When deputies attempted to detain her, she resisted and made verbal threats before being taken into custody. She was charged with conspiracy to commit battery and obstructing an officer and later released on a $3,000 property or surety bond.
During the incident, a crowd gathered and became increasingly hostile toward law enforcement.
Deputies said Christopher Lyman Johnson Jr., 33, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, approached the scene and later struck another individual during the confrontation. He was charged with battery and released on a $750 personal recognizance bond.
Authorities said the situation intensified when Johnson approached a black SUV involved in the disturbance. Deputy Leake observed Johnson reach into the vehicle before quickly pulling back.
A bystander alerted deputies that a firearm was present.
Investigators said a man inside the SUV, identified as Charles Kobie Pridgen, 27, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, then pointed a handgun toward the crowd. Deputy Leake drew her service weapon, issued commands, and secured the firearm without further incident.
Officials said Pridgen had been recording the disturbance from inside the vehicle when he was confronted by several individuals.
During the encounter, Johnson allegedly struck Pridgen, after which Pridgen chambered a round and pointed the weapon at those nearby. Approximately a dozen people were in close proximity at the time.
Pridgen was charged with one count of possession of a deadly weapon on school grounds and 12 counts of wanton endangerment. He remains in custody on a $30,000 cash-only bond.
The investigation remains ongoing as deputies work to identify all individuals involved.
In a statement, Chief Deputy Eric Burnett said the incident highlights how quickly situations can escalate.
“This incident underscores how quickly situations can escalate when individuals choose to act aggressively and disregard lawful authority,” Burnett said.
“I commend Deputy Leake for her professionalism, restraint, and decisive actions in a rapidly evolving and potentially deadly situation. Her response ensured that no innocent bystanders were harmed. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for our community, especially at events involving our youth.”
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the incident or other criminal activity to contact deputies at 304-267-7000 or submit tips online.
