Stephens County High School Shooting — Four Arrested After Gang-Related Incident in Stephens County, Georgia
Authorities in Stephens County, Georgia have confirmed the arrests of four individuals in connection with a gang-related shooting that occurred on the campus of Stephens County High School on February 10, 2026. The incident unfolded in the school’s parking area while a varsity basketball game was taking place, prompting an immediate lockdown and a wide-ranging, multi-agency investigation.
Incident and Lockdown
According to law enforcement officials, students, families, and members of the community were gathered on campus that evening for athletic events, including a game involving Hart County High School. During the event, a confrontation between at least two individuals in the student parking lot escalated into violence.
Investigators said a verbal dispute quickly turned physical, and one individual allegedly produced a firearm and discharged multiple rounds. School administrators and on-site School Resource Officers immediately placed the campus on lockdown for approximately 30 minutes while deputies secured the scene and assessed potential threats. Authorities later confirmed that no active danger remained once the area was cleared.
Deputies stated that roughly nine shots were fired during the incident. The suspected shooter then fled the scene in a red Nissan Altima with another individual. Despite the presence of numerous students and spectators on campus at the time, officials confirmed that no one was injured.
Arrests and Criminal Charges
The investigation was led by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, which rapidly identified four suspects believed to have played roles in the shooting and its aftermath.
- Ja’Nareon Riley, 17, of Lavonia, is accused of firing the weapon during the altercation. He turned himself in to authorities on February 11. Investigators charged Riley with multiple offenses, including two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm on school property, and two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. He is being held without bond at the Stephens County Jail.
- Kyairre “Noodle” Thomas, 24, of Royston, was identified as the driver of the vehicle used to leave the scene. Thomas surrendered later the same day and faces charges including two counts of aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity. He remains in custody without bond.
- Jalashe Gray, 33, of Lavonia, who is Riley’s mother, was arrested on February 12. Investigators allege she helped conceal evidence related to the shooting. She was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony for hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence, and later released on a $20,000 bond.
- Tykerion Brown, 17, of Toccoa, was first detained on February 13 for obstructing law enforcement officers and released on bond. Subsequent developments led to additional charges, including two counts of aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity. Brown was taken back into custody on February 17 and is awaiting a bond hearing.
Law enforcement officials reported that both Riley and Thomas are believed to be affiliated with the Bloods criminal street gang.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The case has drawn extensive regional and federal support. Investigators are working alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Metro Gang Task Force, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, as well as neighboring sheriff’s offices. The collaboration has focused on evidence collection, suspect interviews, and identifying any additional individuals connected to the shooting.
Ongoing Inquiry and Community Impact
Sheriff Rusty Fulbright emphasized that the investigation remains active and that authorities will continue to pursue all available leads. Community members are encouraged to report any information related to the shooting or gang activity through official tip channels.
In the aftermath of the incident, school leaders and public safety officials highlighted the effectiveness of the rapid lockdown and coordinated response, which helped prevent injuries and further escalation. Administrators reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening campus security and supporting a safe learning environment.
The Stephens County High School shooting and subsequent arrests underscore the growing concern surrounding gang-related violence near educational facilities and the continued need for coordinated prevention efforts to protect students, families, and staff across the region.
