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Police investigating incident involving firearm at Sharp Stadium
Sharp Stadium

NEWTON COUNTY – Officers with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office are investigating an incident that involved a firearm last Friday night at Sharp Stadium.

The incident took place toward the conclusion of the Newton versus Alcovy football game at around 9:55 p.m. 

According to an incident report, an altercation occurred that caused an unidentified subject to flee the scene. When the person fled the scene they left a firearm behind, where it was collected by the officer. It is unclear as to what type of firearm the person was in possession of.

No injuries were reported.

The person in question was not identified nor apprehended by law enforcement. 

When asked about ongoing safety concerns, Newton County Schools public relations director Sherri Partee emailed a statement to The Covington News on behalf of the school system.

"At the conclusion of last Friday’s game at Sharp Stadium, a disturbance occurred which required law enforcement support and subsequently revealed the presence of a weapon,” the statement read. “Newton County Schools has since collaborated closely with law enforcement to assess the situation and to consider additional safety measures at Sharp Stadium. The safety of our students, staff, and guests remains our highest priority.”


Newton County jury finds Covington man guilty of felony murder
Shane Robinson
Shane Robinson - photo by Courtesy of the Newton County Sheriff's Office

NEWTON COUNTY – On Monday afternoon, 30-year-old Shane Alexander Robinson of Covington was found guilty of killing Charles Edward Stanley III over three years ago.

The Newton County District Attorney’s Office released that a jury deemed that Robinson was guilty on three charges: Felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

On March 5, 2022, sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight, Robinson shot an AR-style firearm at a vehicle that Stanley was driving along Harvey Wood Drive. According to the District Attorney’s release, Robinson fired the weapon 13 times into the vehicle, killing Stanley.

According to a previous report by The Covington News, an arrest warrant stated that Robinson “grabbed his AR-15 (rifle) and drove” from his home to Harvey Wood Drive to “scare” Stanley.

“When Charles was backing up, Shane admitted to firing several rounds at the vehicle,” the 2022 warrant stated. “Furthermore, Shane also initially stated that he fired rounds at the vehicle as it was driving away.”

Robinson initially faced charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, unauthorized discharge of firearms within 50 yards of the public highway, and reckless conduct. It is not clear if some of these charges were dismissed.

Sentencing is set for a later date, which has not been announced. A co-defendant’s case is still pending.