Local law enforcement assures North Panola of increased police presence

By Myra Bean and Rupert Howell

The excitement of opening the football season with a near win over Rosa Fort turned into a night of horrors as gunshots rang out near the school at the end of the game and elsewhere in Sardis along with the death of a school mate and friend Roderick Bobo, 15, of Sardis.

Shock and fear spread on social media following the incident as word trickled down that Bobo did not survive his wounds.

But NP School conservator Robert King said Monday that as of now, football will continue as the Cougars are preparing to host Byhalia Friday night.

Principal Jamone Edwards assures visitors that tighter security will be in place.

Edwards said the law enforcement agencies in Panola County have assurred him there will be a larger police presence at the games from now on.

Three uniformed Sardis policemen and four Panola County Sheriff deputies were at last Friday’s game according to Sardis Police Chief Chris Martin and Sheriff Dennis Darby. The sheriff said he had just left the game prior to the incident.

Edwards said Darby told him the sheriff’s department will help control parking at the games and will “beef” up security.

“We will limit where people park,” Edwards said.

Tickets will now be taken at the front gate, said Edwards, instead of at the beginning of the road to the stadium.

There will be a larger police presence in areas on the campus which are not lighted, according to Edwards.

Recently installed security cameras assisted investigators in locating suspects and witnesses Darby said at a press conference Monday where regional media converged to hear Darby, and District Attorney John Champion announce charges filed and answered questions.