INWOOD, W.Va. — Three people have been arrested following a disturbance Sunday during a youth basketball game during a tournament at the Randy Smith Center in Inwood.
Charles Kobie Pridgen, 27, of Falling Waters, was charged with possession of a deadly weapon on school grounds and twelve counts of wanton endangerment. Pridgen was last reportedly lodged at the Eastern Regional Jail on a $30,000 cash-only bond.
Kieanna Veney, 30, of Weyers Cave, Va., was charged with conspiracy to commit battery and obstructing an officer. Veney was released from jail after posting a $3,000 property/surety bond.
Christopher Lyman Johnson Jr., 33, of Harrisonburg, Va., was charged with battery and later released on a $750 personal recognizance bond.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office tells The Panhandle News Network two women had been involved in incidents in the parking lot that required de-escalation earlier.
During that incident, an alleged assault had occurred but the victim did not file charges.
One of those women, identified as Kieanna Veney, reportedly became increasingly confrontational and “continued to engage in aggressive behavior” even after a deputy intervened.
Deputies said Veney resisted as she was being detained by “pulling away and making verbal threats.”
The post said a crowd gathered, directing “verbal hostility” toward the officer, identified as Deputy Leake.
Investigators said Pridgen had been recording the disturbance from his vehicle and was approached by multiple people. During the confrontation, deputies said Christopher Johnson struck Pridgen, who reportedly pulled a gun.
“Pridgen chambered a round and pointed the firearm toward Johnson and other individuals in close proximity,” according to the sheriff’s office report, which adds that about a dozen people were in the immediate area.
Deputy Leake pulled her service weapon, issued verbal commands and secured the firearm. No injuries were reported.
Chief Deputy Eric Burnett said the incident underscores how quickly situations can escalate “when individuals choose to act aggressively and disregard lawful authority.”
He commended 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,” Burnett said.