Anniston, AL – The City of Anniston issued a press release that the High School Pep Rally and Homecoming Parade are canceled.
“Anniston City School Officials have informed city leadership of the #Cancellation of the 2023 Anniston High School Homecoming Parade. The pep rally, planned for after the parade, has also been #Canceled.
Due to the event cancellation, there will be no road closures this evening (09/21/23) on Noble Street.
For more event information, please contact Anniston City Schools at: 256-231-5000.”
The Calhoun Journal spoke with Anniston Police Chief, Nick Bowles, about the event and what caused the cancellation. Chief Bowles advised that there was a shooting incident on September 19, 2023 at approximately 10:00 pm at the South Highland Community Center. Anniston police were dispatched to the area after approximately 50-60 juveniles had gathered in a parking lot. During the gathering a fight broke out and began to escalate. At some point during the altercation at least three people began shooting at each other. Responding officers and Investigators located one shooting victim, an unidentified juvenile, who was transported from the scene and is expected to recover from the injuries.
Investigators were able to locate at least 50-60 shell casings from at least three different shooters. Chief Bowles also stated, “Our SRO has heard of a credible threat of retaliation that was going to happen at either the Pep Rally or Homecoming Parade. Due to an abundance of caution we made the decision to keep the kids safe from another possible violent incident.”
Chief Bowls also stated that there are no other incidents that have occurred to cause the canceling of the two events.
The investigation is still ongoing and suspects have been developed and are being interviewed by the investigations team. If you have any information about this case please contact Investigator White at (256) 238-1800.
