Bakersfield, California — A Friday night high school football game turned deadly when a 17-year-old was shot and killed during the season opener at Independence High School, sending players, families and spectators rushing away from the stadium, authorities said.
The Bakersfield Police Department said officers were called to the stadium shortly after 8 p.m. following reports of shots fired. The shooting reportedly happened outside the inner chain-link fence surrounding the area where the football game was being played.
Authorities said the teenage victim was pronounced dead, but his identity had not been released. No suspect information was immediately available.
Police Say Shooting Started With an Altercation
Bakersfield Police Sgt. Eric Celedon said investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a fight that occurred during the football game.
“Based on our preliminary investigation, we believe this began as an isolated incident that began as an altercation between a group of individuals, which ultimately resulted in the shooting.”
The game was being played between Centennial High School and Independence High School as part of the season opener.
Celedon acknowledged the shock of having violence occur at a location where families traditionally gather to watch their children compete.
“We know that families look forward to coming out here every Friday night and seeing their kids play on this field,” Celedon said.
Players and Fans Scramble After Gunfire
Video from the stadium reportedly showed players and fans running from the scene after the shooting.
Local sportscaster Vance Palm, who was at the game, said the incident occurred only a few minutes after the game began.
“Just started the game and what we thought we heard…a firework or a shot,” Palm said.
He said that within seconds, people in the Independence home stands began rushing away from the area where the sound had apparently originated.
“Certainly heard something, and then within a matter of seconds the entire Independence home stands all started rushing north [away from the shooting.]”
The sudden evacuation left families and spectators trying to understand what had happened while police responded to the stadium.
Community Holds Prayer Service
A prayer service was held later that night at Bakersfield Christian High School following the deadly incident.
Police officials acknowledged that the shooting could make some families fearful about returning to high school football games.
Celedon called the death tragic and emphasized that even a single act of violence can have a major impact on a community.
“It’s tragic, and one is too many, especially somewhere where we come to have a good time, to bring our families, and a place where we celebrate, so we understand why somebody would be fearful to come out,” he said.
However, he urged residents not to lose confidence in the community.
Police Hope Football Games Continue Safely
Celedon said authorities remain confident that Bakersfield families will be able to return to football games.
“But we want to really reiterate one thing: how amazing our community is, how strong our community is. We can get through this, and I’m confident that next Friday, everybody will be back out here full force, enjoying the football games as their team,” he added.
Investigators have not yet identified a suspect or released additional details about what led to the altercation.
Another Football Game Evacuated in Los Angeles
The Bakersfield shooting occurred on the same night as another frightening incident at a high school football game in Los Angeles.
A game between San Pedro High School and King/Drew Magnet High School at Los Angeles Southwest College was suspended after an apparent gunshot was heard.
Spectators rushed onto the field as authorities responded and evacuated people from the area.
However, investigators did not find evidence of a shooting or any victims at that location.
While the Los Angeles incident did not result in a confirmed shooting, the deadly Bakersfield case has left one California community mourning after what began as an ordinary Friday night football game ended with the death of a teenager.
What are your thoughts on the shooting and the safety of high school football games? Share your thoughts in the comments below.