A festive night at Summers Field Park in Barnesville turned into chaos when a local man fired a gun near the Buggy Days fireworks event on Saturday night. Fortunately, no one was reported as injured, and law enforcement quickly apprehended the suspect.
Steven Scott Denike of 164 Stafford Avenue fired a 9 mm handgun from his front porch shortly before the finale of the fireworks. The rear of the property practically backs up to Summers Field Park, creating the appearance of a potential tragedy.
According to Chief Belinda Penamon, Denike was intoxicated at the time and fired the shots into the air with no specific target. Chief Penamon stated that they were unable to recover all the shell casings, leaving the exact number of rounds fired unknown. The sound of gunfire during the show caused widespread panic with spectators fleeing to their vehicles across town. Law enforcement rushed toward the scene, while other attendees sought safety, hiding behind homes on nearby Houston Street. Parents were particularly distressed, scrambling to locate their children amid the confusion.
Spectators said that it was unfortunate that such a fun night ended with fear, but the quick response from local authorities prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Criminal charges are currently pending.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
