Three Brookhaven men were arrested Friday night outside the Brookhaven High School football field when they attempted to enter the game while carrying weapons.

Brookhaven Police Det. Penny Banks observed an individual as he walked in through the gate to the ball field, with a bulge in his pocket. Banks stopped the man — identified as 19-year-old Ja Ze’Brian Hooks, of 1224 Union St. — and alerted other officers on the scene to the presence of two other men who were wearing backpacks, as well as masks around their necks, as was Hooks.

Officers detained 21-year-old Devonte Tyshun Spencer, of 322 East Cherokee St., and 19-year-old Donovan Ali Williams of 811 Denton Trail.

“It’s by the grace of God and the quick actions of my alert officers that I had on scene that we were able to take them all into custody, and seize the weapons without incident,” Chief Kenneth Collins said. “Det. Banks’ quick actions and the other officers’ actions are greatly appreciated.”

Collins also expressed special thanks to Brookhaven High School Resource Officer Lt. Willie Gayten Sr.

“I want to thank Lt. Gayten for his alertness and professionalism in making the arrest of these individuals,” said Collins.

All three suspects were charged with felony possession of weapons on school property. They were booked into Lincoln County Jail.

“Thank God for giving us the ability to get these individuals without anything happening at the school,” Collins said.