A quiet Sunday at the Kris Lang Sports Complex on Catawba Street turned tense after an accidental shooting involving a juvenile, prompting a fast clampdown on who gets in and what they can bring. Belmont police said no one was hurt, but the close call was enough for the popular gym to overhaul its entry rules while investigators dig into how the firearm ended up in a young person’s hands.
Belmont investigators are working to determine how the juvenile got the gun and whether anyone will face charges, according to WSOC. The station reports the complex’s owner quickly took to social media with a video outlining two immediate changes for visitors: clear backpacks or consent to bag searches at the door, and a new rule that children under 13 must have an adult with them.
Owner Tightens Rules at Community Hub
The Kris Lang Sports Complex, opened by former UNC standout Kris Lang and later expanded into a 50,000-square-foot facility, has grown into a regional hub for youth leagues and 24/7 gym access, The Gaston Gazette reported in 2024. Security concerns are not entirely new to the venue. After a break-in in 2024, WBTV reported that owners responded by changing locks and tightening access. The latest measures are the next step in convincing families the gym is still a safe place to work out and play ball.
Investigation and Next Steps
Belmont police say the investigation into the accidental shooting is ongoing and that no arrests or charges have been announced at this point, WSOC reported. In the meantime, the owner plans to keep the clear-backpack requirement and stricter supervision rules in place while detectives follow up on leads and the community waits for answers.
