MOBILE, Ala. — Four people were shot during a high school football game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Friday night, prompting an overhaul review of security at the venue.
Gunfire erupted around 9:56 p.m. on the west-side exit ramp of the stadium at 1621 Virginia Street during the Vigor versus Williamson game. Fans scattered onto the field and through the concourses as the public-address announcer told them to take cover. Police investigating near Gate 2 recovered at least four shell casings; witnesses reported about four shots fired, and at least two people fled the scene in a white sedan.
Police Chief Paul Prine said the four victims — three males and one female — included two juveniles, and that one victim was hospitalized with a life-threatening injury. “This type of gun violence is not going to be tolerated,” Prine said. “If you’re involved in this in any way, you need to turn yourself in.”
City and schools respond
Mayor Sandy Stimpson said he had charged MPD and the Gulf Coast Technology Center — a coalition of 42 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies — with assessing where stadium security protocols failed and what immediate and long-term steps were needed to keep weapons out of such events. The city pledged enhanced security for future games at Ladd-Peebles.
The Mobile County Public School System, which worked with police on the investigation, said it would make whatever changes to safety protocols were necessary and asked anyone with information to call police at 251-208-7211.
The shooting came two years after nine people were wounded at the same stadium during a 2019 Williamson-Leflore game — a shooting that led metal detectors to be installed there.
Suspect charged, reward offered
Mobile County court records show Hezekiah Belfon, known by the nickname “Chop,” was later charged with five counts of attempted murder in connection with the shooting, which left one victim fighting life-threatening injuries. According to Mobile police, Belfon was not immediately in custody and authorities warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
In November 2021, Mobile Area CrimeStoppers put up a $2,000 cash reward for any tip that leads to Belfon’s arrest. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting CrimeStoppers at 334-215-7867 or by submitting a tip through the P3 Tips mobile app.