Suspended Pottstown football players charged, arraigned

POTTSTOWN — More details about the actions of three suspended Pottstown High School students were made public Tuesday after they were arraigned in district court.

Dayon Mohler, 18, Najee Johnson, 18, and Derrick Wilson, 17, were charged with multiple counts of felony aggravated assault and a series of misdemeanor charges including simple assault, possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment, and other related charges after they allegedly used a BB gun to shoot two teammates on Oct. 24.

According to police, the victims did not suffer serious injuries.

The trio drove around Evans and East streets after school dismissed around noon, police said. The two victims told police they were playing catch when they saw Mohler’s silver Toyota Corolla drive past and fire the BB gun. One victim was hit in the head, police said.

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After Johnson, Mohler and Wilson drove away, the victims told police they left for football practice.

While walking to school, the silver car passed the victims again and the suspects allegedly shoot BBs in their direction, police said.

One victim told police the teenagers pulled up next to them, rolled down the windows and started shooting, police said.

Before practice, the victims told police they were in the locker room when Wilson. Mohler and Johnson walked in holding bags, police said.

One of the victims told police that he ran from the locker room when he saw Mohler, Wilson and Johnson enter.

The other victim told police that Johnson asked if any players had a problem and then allegedly walked over to the victim after he spoke up.

Police said that Johnson grabbed the victim and yelled at Mohler and Wilson to grab his new BB gun. Johnson allegedly held the victim down while Wilson fired the BB gun, police said.

A search of Mohler’s car revealed a carbon dioxide canister, BBs on the seats and on the floor and more than 20 bags of marijuana in the center console, police said.

Wilson, was a starting center for the Trojans and Johnson and Mohler were both running backs but are not eligible to play because of their suspension from school.

Director of Community Relations John Armato said on Oct. 25 there will be a 10 day suspension before the school has a hearing to decide the final punishment for the suspects.

Mohler and Johnson were arraigned in front of District Judge Edward C. Kropp Sr. Tuesday. Kropp set the teenagers’ unsecured bail at $25,000 each, according to court documents.

The boys were released and scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Wilson’s case is being handled in juvenile court.

About the Author

Caroline Sweeney formerly worked as the police reporter for the Pottstown Mercury. She is no longer on staff. If you wish to contact anyone at The Mercury about her stories, please call our main number at 610-323-3000 and ask for the editorial department. Reach the author at csweeney@pottsmerc.com
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