Inset: Steven Hamblin (Boone County Sheriff”s Office). Background: A man alleged to be Steven Hamblin pointing a gun at a crowd of people outside an elementary school (Viewer submitted to WKRC/YouTube).
A Kentucky man is currently in custody after allegedly threatening to open fire on a group of individuals, all due to frustration over his son’s limited playing time in a youth basketball match.
Steven Hamblin, aged 28, has been detained in the Boone County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including wanton endangerment, tampering with evidence, illegal possession of a firearm on school grounds, and jeopardizing a minor’s safety. According to documents examined by Law&Crime, Hamblin’s bail is set at $200,000 in cash.
The incident took place on a Saturday afternoon following a youth basketball game at Walton-Verona Elementary School in Verona, Kentucky. As reported by Lexington’s NBC affiliate WLEX, the altercation began in the school’s parking area where Hamblin and other attendees had gathered.
Hamblin intended to confront a coach regarding his dissatisfaction with his son’s game time, resulting in a “verbal argument.” According to court records, this confrontation escalated into a brief altercation before the parties were separated.
Video sent to regional CBS and The CW affiliate WKRC shows what appears to have happened next. A man alleged to be Hamblin can be seen opening the driver’s-side door of an SUV while an apparent child scampers away behind the vehicle to the other side.
Subsequently, Hamblin was reportedly seen closing his SUV’s door and stepping behind the vehicle, where he brandished what appeared to be a handgun at a crowd of about eight people. During the incident, he allegedly threatened multiple times to “shoot” them, as reported by local Fox affiliate WXIX. The individuals reportedly belonged to the visiting team.
Authorities arrived at the scene around 2 p.m., but Hamblin was apprehended at his residence shortly afterward. During the ensuing conversation with officers, he reportedly claimed that he was “defending his family, who was being attacked.”
The superintendent of Walton-Verona Independent Schools, Matt Baker, said in a statement obtained by WKRC that “We are thankful for the rapid response and professionalism of the Boone County Sheriff’s deputies who assisted us this afternoon,” adding, “Our focus remains on maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for our families and guests.”
The defendant is due to appear in court on Feb. 9.
Verona is located in northern Kentucky, roughly 25 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio.
