A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed during a high school football game in Bakersfield, California, and police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with the fatal shooting.
The shooting happened shortly after 8 p.m. Aug. 21 at Independence High School as the school hosted Centennial High School for its season opener, according to the Bakersfield Police Department. Officers found the 17-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds inside the stadium, south of the football field.
The teenager was taken to Kern Medical, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His identity was not immediately released by authorities.
Bakersfield police announced the suspect's arrest Saturday, Aug. 22, but have not released additional information about the circumstances
of the arrest or what charges the 15-year-old may face. USA TODAY reached out to Bakersfield police for additional comment.
What happened at the football game?
Police said the shooting occurred inside the gates of Independence High School's football stadium while the game was underway.
Bakersfield Police Sgt. Eric Celedon told the New York Post that investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an altercation involving a group of people. Police initially characterized the incident as isolated.
The gunfire sent players and spectators scrambling from the area, according to reports from the scene. KGET reported that roughly seven to eight shots were fired.
The game was canceled following the shooting, KTLA reported.
Police said there was no ongoing threat to the community and that investigators were working with the Kern High School Police Department at the scene.
In a statement announcing the arrest, Bakersfield police expressed sympathy for the victim's family and others affected by the shooting.
“Our hearts are with the family of the 17-year-old who lost his life, & all those impacted by this tragedy,” the department said, according to Bakersfield Now.
A prayer service also was held Friday, Aug. 21, at nearby Bakersfield Christian High School, where the school's football team and Faith Lutheran High School joined together during halftime amid the investigation at Independence High, Bakersfield Now reported.
Bakersfield police continue to investigate the shooting.
Separate football game disrupted in Los Angeles
The Bakersfield shooting occurred the same night as a separate disturbance at a high school football game in Los Angeles County.
A game between San Pedro High School and King/Drew Magnet High School at Los Angeles Southwest College was halted Friday night after spectators reported hearing what sounded like gunfire.
According to KTLA, deputies responded around 8:52 p.m. to a report of shots fired near the football field. Spectators were evacuated while deputies searched the area.
Authorities did not find evidence of a shooting or any victims, according to reports. The game was canceled.
The Los Angeles County incident was not connected to the fatal shooting in Bakersfield, authorities said.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teen killed at California high school football game; suspect arrested
