An 18-year-old was arrested Tuesday after police in Winston-Salem said he was involved in a preplanned fight that turned into a shooting that killed two teenagers.
According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, officers arrested Joel Michael Gamble-Toliver, 18, and charged him with felony child abuse and felony riot for his role in the shooting. Gamble-Toliver was also served an unrelated warrant from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office on a charge that he had a stolen gun.
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Authorities said child abuse charges are filed when a parent or any other person providing care to or supervision of a child under 16 years old "whose willful act or grossly negligent omission in the care of the child shows a reckless disregard of human life and results in serious bodily injury."
Police said Gamble-Toliver came to Leinbach Park on Monday under the assumption that a preplanned fight would happen. During the fight, police said Gamble-Toliver became involved in a fight with one of the teens at the park and shot a gun during the incident.
Two teenagers were killed in the shooting after the preplanned fight, and five more between the ages of 14 and 19 were injured.
It is unclear if Gamble-Toliver hit any of the victims. Police said that because of how many people were involved, there was a large crime scene.
“Again, adults, regardless of their relationship to the youth, who contribute to the delinquency of minors through action, inaction, encouragement, or audience participation will be appropriately charged. This is not a tactic, but our stance," Chief William H. Penn, Jr. said.
Police said their investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information related to the fight and shooting to call them at 336-773-7700 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 336-727-2800 (English) or 336-728-3904 (Spanish). Individuals can also use the Text-A-Tip Program at 336-276-1717.