Stratford High School basketball game stopped after report of two fans possibly armed

A boys basketball game at Stratford High School on Friday was stopped and ultimately canceled when information surfaced that two people attending may have been armed.

Police found the two people attending the game in question and interviewed them, but no weapons were discovered, said Metro Nashville Police Department Capt. David Corman.

The game was against La Vergne High School and was stopped at halftime, according to the Metro Nashville Public Schools.

“I don’t know what was seen or if they felt there was a threat of some violence,” Stratford Coach Romie Reed said after the game. “I’m not sure of what the safety level was. But we wanted to make sure that everyone’s safety was a priority.”

The decision to stop the game was made by Metro Nashville Public Schools in conjunction with police "for the safety of our students which is our first priority," district spokeswoman Michelle Michaud said.

“We were in the locker room at halftime and we were told the (rest of) the game was being cancelled," La Vergne Coach Jeremy Moore said. "We were told somebody (in the crowd) had a gun, and the stands cleared. It was pretty chaotic until it got under control. We were told it would be a “no contest.” We had no involvement in the decision-making.”

There have been two recent shootings involving Metro Nashville students.

Jeremiah Shelton-Barbee, a 15-year-old freshman at Whites Creek High School, was fatally shot Wednesday in East Nashville. 

Joshua D. Hockett, 19, has been charged in connection with the shooting. Authorities said Hockett and Shelton-Barbee were "horse playing" with a gun.

Then on Friday, a student was shot after dismissal at Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School, according to authorities.

Demario Crowder, 17, was shot near 26th Avenue North and Albion Street about 2:30 p.m., according to police.  He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment and was in critical condition as of Friday evening.

Police are still seeking a suspect in that shooting.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.