Two suspects of a shooting at East Alton Ice Arena on Jan. 22, 30-year-old Berton Newton and 33-year-old Amber Golliday, were taken into custody on Jan. 27 during a traffic stop.

Newton was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon. Golliday was charged with obstructing justice.

These charges follow the shooting of two women outside of an 8 p.m. youth hockey game at the East Alton Ice Arena. 

According to Alton Police Department, Newton, armed with a pistol, approached the women and asked for a lighter twice. He proceeded to fire a shot into one woman’s thigh, which then went through the other woman’s leg.

One was airlifted to an area hospital for treatment, and the other was treated on-site. Both are expected to make a full recovery.

East Alton Ice Arena, located in the Alton East Gate Plaza, is the home ice rink for the Edwardsville Tigers, among other local teams. The recent shooting brings up concerns over the safety of the Alton East Gate Plaza. In response, police have increased the number of patrols in the area.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about it (safety of the plaza),” Madison County District Attorney Tom Haine said in an interview with KSDK. “This event wouldn’t change my impression of this place at all. When you’re walking out into the parking lot it’s a safe place. The sad thing in this world is anything can happen anywhere. That doesn’t mean you should live your life in fear. There’s no reason why anyone coming to Eastgate should fear this place over any other after this.”