PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A Pike County man has been arrested for allegedly firing a gun at the Shelby Valley High School football field, while the team and cheerleaders were on the field practicing.

Police were called just before 5 p.m. Wednesday to Douglas Apartments, which are near the football field, over a report of someone firing a pistol multiple times. When a state trooper arrived, he learned that the shots were fired in the direction of the football field and that the school had moved everyone off the field. The officer also found seven 9 mm casings in the parking lot.

After taking witness statements, the trooper then questioned apartment resident Brian Irick, 58. Irick reportedly admitted to shooting a gun in the direction of the field, but said he had shot into the grass. However, the police report says he told the officer he had his arm extended and not pointed straight down.

Irick was arrested and charged with first-degree wanton endangerment by discharging a firearm, a felony punishable by 5-to-10 years in prison. He is being held in the Pike County jail on a $250,000 full cash bond.

A statement posted on Facebook by Pike County Attorney Paul Howard Jr. noted that the investigation is continuing and more charges are possible. Howard also said in the event Irick makes bond, “He is not allowed to possess or have in his possession any type of firearm or weapon that can be fired from. He is to have no contact with any facility, property, student, or personnel of any school in Pike County, especially Shelby Valley. A forcible detainer (eviction) has already been filed by Carl D. Perkins.”