Mercer County Man Arrested After Incident at High School Basketball Game

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A 45-year-old man from Mercer County, West Virginia was arrested and charged with several offenses, including possession of a deadly weapon on school premises, after an incident at a girls' high school basketball game in Nicholas County. The man, Ronald Stroupe Jr., was allegedly involved in an argument with a parent and was asked to leave the gym by a school resource officer, leading to a physical confrontation where a gun fell from Stroupe's waistband.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence or weapons at school sporting events raise concerns about public safety and security, especially in light of broader discussions around gun violence in schools. This case highlights the need for vigilance and clear protocols to address disruptive behavior at these community gatherings.

The details

According to the Summersville Police Department, Stroupe was being escorted out of the girls' basketball game at Nicholas County High School on February 17, 2026 after an alleged argument with a parent. When the school resource officer asked Stroupe to calm down multiple times, Stroupe became physical and belligerent. During the arrest, a gun fell out of Stroupe's waistband onto the gym floor, and he grabbed the weapon and refused to let it go. The officer and members of the Nicholas County Sheriff's Office were able to disarm Stroupe, who was then taken into custody.

• The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 during a girls' high school basketball game at Nicholas County High School.

What’s next

Stroupe is being held at Central Regional Jail and awaits arraignment by a magistrate.