Anniston, AL Anniston, Alabama – Anniston, AL – City of Anniston issued a press release announcing that Anniston’s High School Pep Rally and Homecoming Parade are canceled.
” Anniston City School Officials have informed the city management of the cancellation of 2023’s Anniston High School Homecoming Parade. The pep rally, scheduled for the following day after the parade was also cancelled.
Due to the cancellation of the event There will be no closures of roads this evening (09/21/23) at Noble Street.
For additional information on the event For more information, please contact Anniston City Schools at: 256-231-5000.”
The Calhoun Journal spoke with Anniston Police Chief, Nick Bowles regarding the incident and the reason for the decision to cancel the event. Chief Bowles informed us that there was a shooting incident Wednesday, September 19th 2023, at approximately 10:00 pm in the South Highland Community Center. Anniston police were called to the scene after about 50-60 youths had gathered in a parking area. In the midst of the gathering, a fight started to break out and then got worse. In the course of the fight, at least three individuals began shooting each one another. The responding officers and investigators found one victim of the shooting unknown juvenile who was removed to a hospital and is likely to recover from injuries.
Investigators have been able to find at fifty to 60 shell casings of at least three shooters. Chief Bowles added that “Our SRO has heard of an actual threat of retaliation expected to take place at an event like the Pep Rally or Homecoming Parade. Due to the overwhelming amount of caution, we took the decision to ensure that the children from a dangerous incident.”
Chief Bowls added that there have been no other incidents that could trigger the cancellation of the two games.
The investigation is ongoing with suspects being identified and are being questioned by the team investigating. If you have details regarding this case, you can call the investigator White via (256) 238-1800..
