Lillington, North Carolina, Two Black Children Playing Basketball Assaulted by Police, with the 12-Year-Old Choked in Handcuffs, Suffering a Concussion and Ear Injury
For Deonnia Lyon and her family, the fight for justice is just beginning, with hopes that sharing their story will lead to real change and protect other children from similar traumas.
NewsReshmaJanuary 5, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 5, 2026
In a Lillington, North Carolina neighborhood, an innocent New Year’s Day basketball game turned into a nightmare for two young Black brothers.
Deonnia Lyon, a devoted mother, watched in horror as police officers allegedly assaulted her sons, Zamauri Chance, 17, and Carter Chance, 12, leaving them with serious injuries and the family reeling from what they describe as blatant racial bias.
The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, has sparked community outrage and calls for accountability in a town where trust in law enforcement is already fragile.
The trouble began at the boys’ godparents‘ home in Vandercroft Farms, a residential area in Harnett County.
According to Lyon, her sons were simply playing basketball when a neighbor, Ranea Linz, a mother of three and local resident, called the police.
The 911 call reportedly described a boy in a red shirt carrying a gun at the basketball court.
Zamauri admitted to officers that he had a gun earlier, but insisted it wasn’t on him at the time.
(Source: Facebook)However, the situation escalated quickly, with Officer Andrew Kesick detaining Zamauri on the ground before turning his attention to the younger Carter, who was already handcuffed and seated.
Video footage from the scene, shared by Lyon on Facebook, shows the officer tackling and choking the 12-year-old, even as bystanders screamed that he was just a child.
Kesick later claimed Carter had “squared up” to him, but the recording appears to contradict that, depicting the boy restrained and non-threatening.
Lyon recounted the harrowing details in her emotional post,
“My kids was attacked by a selfish racist cops due to a phone call being mad with the description of a boy in red and he was never touched in the video but my 17 and 12 year old was assaulted my 12 year old was choked in handcuffs!!”
Via FacebookShe clarified that she wasn’t criticizing all Lillington police officers, but specifically calling out a few of them, including one she had gone to school with.
“This is not all Lillington police but it’s those right here I unfortunately went to school with him but he doesn’t need to be officer,”
Via FacebookShe wrote, urging people to share the story to prevent similar incidents.
The boys were badly hurt physically
Zamauri required five stitches to repair a torn earlobe, while Carter suffered facial bruising, a dislocated shoulder, and possibly a concussion from the chokehold.
Lyon highlighted the disparity in treatment, mentioning that a “guy with the gun” walked away unscathed, while her sons bore the brunt of the force.
She also accused the officers of dismissing her concerns, with one reportedly saying her son “didn’t look 12,” and claimed the police were targeting “three Black children” in the area, though details on a third child remain unclear.
Lyon didn’t hold back in calling out Linz, posting her photo and writing,
“All this happened because this lady right here called the police and since she wants to comment on the story let’s give her the attention she wants!! She is the reason the black kids go through this in that neighborhood and any white kid that hangs around black ppl gets harassed Ranea Linz!! Show your video of these kids attacking the police and make sure it shows my boys please!!”
Via FacebookThis accusation paints a picture of ongoing tensions in the community, where calls to police on Black youth for everyday activities like playing basketball have become all too common, echoing broader national conversations about racial profiling and “Karens” weaponizing law enforcement.
The Lillington Police Department has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered, including any internal investigation or disciplinary actions against Officer Kesick.
Community reactions have been swift and furious, with online commenters expressing shock at the excessive force used on children.
One person noted, “The fact that they kept screaming he is 12 and the cop continues to assault him by strangulation,” while others called for Kesick’s firing, citing rumors of his prior disciplinary issues.
As the video continues to circulate, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues of race, policing, and community trust in America.
For Deonnia Lyon and her family, the fight for justice is just beginning, with hopes that sharing their story will lead to real change and protect other children from similar traumas.
Learn More-: Beloved Carroll Swim Coach Shawn Stewart, Lifelong Advocate and Mentor to Generations of Swimmers, Passes Away at 47
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- Carter Chance
- Zamauri Chance
ReshmaReshma is a content editor recognized for her ability to create engaging digital content, ensure quality, and deliver stories that connect with audiences.
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Comments
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Katherine January 6, 2026 At 6:07 pm
If you think what the cops here do is bad, you should go spend a day in the courtrooms and watch what the lawyers and judges do. This whole county is beyond corrupt and needs a federal investigation and all judicial powers stripped until people who can uphold the law and understand the meanings of fairness, and can obey the laws themselves.
Reply -
Sandra Miller January 6, 2026 At 7:46 pm
The two officers that attacked the children should should be fired on the spot for racial profiling!
Reply -
Vicki Edwards January 7, 2026 At 7:43 am
This is wrong on so many levels!!! It’s a shame that kids can’t even play basketball without some small minded person causing trouble. I pray these boys are ok and have no lasting effects from small minded stupidity!!!!
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