A football game between Tallassee High School and Elmore County High School was called off, and the premises were evacuated after halftime after a threat of gun violence led school officials and law enforcement to postpone the game.
The Tallassee Tigers and the Elmore County Panthers faced off in the Tigers' home field at Burt Haynie Field in Eclectic on Friday night. The game ran into the third quarter before law enforcement evacuated the field and school facilities over a reported threat to shoot up the stadium during the final quarter.
A live-streamed video of the game shows the players running off the field with just over two minutes left in the quarter.
"Well, everybody's been advised to take cover," the announcer said. "Apparently, they're saying lightning but I'm not sure. I really am not sure."
An announcement then can be heard going over the loudspeaker saying, "Everyone vacate the stadium and go home," which was followed by sounds of confusion and protest.
"Apparently something has happened here that we are not aware of," the announcer continued. "But everybody has been told leave. I don't know if it's a gun or what. This game's over."
The Eclectic Police Department released a brief statement following the evacuation.
“Due to unfortunate circumstances the Tallassee vs Elmore County football game was posponed tonight shortly after halftime,” the Eclectic Police Department said in a Facebook post. “There were threats of guns violence reported to law enforcement. The actions taken tonight by Elmore County school officials and law enforcement to postpone the game was a necessary action to keep people safe from this threat. Everyone was evacuated safely from the staduim and school premises without incident.”
The final score is listed as a tie, and there have been no announcements to reschedule the game.
Eclectic law enforcement was not available to comment, and the Elmore County Sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to 1819 News’s inquiries. However, Tallassee Police Chief Todd Buce told the Tallassee Tribune that the threat came via Facebook, although he stated he had not seen the post and that it was unsubstantiated.
“(We) received the threat through Facebook and Elmore County decided to call the game in caution,” Buce said. “I haven’t seen the post so it’s unsubstantiated at this time.”
No arrests or suspects have been reported at this time.
Social media immediately began flooding with well wishes from teachers and staff from both schools, expressing disappointment at the postponement and thankful that no violence occurred.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
