NORTH CAROLINA – WINTON – Another unprovoked assault – apparently part of a national craze known as the “Knockout game” – has netted several arrests as well as prompting Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan to issue a stern warning.
“This type of activity will not be tolerated here in Hertford County. Those participating in Knockout will be arrested and I feel certain that our District Attorney will prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law,” Vaughan stated.
The latest arrests involve three individuals, including one previously charged by the Ahoskie Police Department for a similar crime.
Vaughan reported that 19-year-old Kentrell Devonte Freeman of 143 Mooretown Road, Powellsville; Eric Stephenson, 22, of 1842 HWY 561 East, Cofield; and 22-year-old William McCoy White Jr. of 516 North McGlohon Street, Ahoskie were all arrested for simple assault.
“This is one of those cases where you wish more serious charges could be filed, but I must follow the letter of the law and charge them by the book,” Vaughan said. “This Knockout game has got to stop before someone gets seriously injured, or worse, killed.
“This is not fun and games;  it’s not a game that needs to be played because people are getting hurt,” the Sheriff added. “What they’re doing to innocent victims just doesn’t make any sense.”   (read more)