Online video shows a crowd fleeing as gunfire erupts outside a high school football game.
According to TMZ, the incident took place Friday night in Toledo, Ohio, where Whitmer High School went head-to-head with Central Catholic. Police confirmed three people were wounded in the shooting: a Whitmer student as well as an adult male and adult female. The extent of their injuries have not been revealed; however, authorities say each of the victims are expected to make full recoveries.
The game was hosted by Whitmer HS and broadcasted on local TV. At around 9:30 p.m., a dozen shots were heard during the fourth quarter, prompting spectators and athletes to scatter and take cover. The broadcast immediately cut commercial and the game was halted with more than six minutes on the clock. A coach for Whitmer HS told local outlets the teams had no intentions of finishing the game, which ended with Central Catholic leading 46-16.
Here’s the moment shots were fired at the Toledo Central Catholic-Whitmer football game. This shit has to stop! pic.twitter.com/zJm65D6vbd
“An act of violence occurred outside the stadium at tonight’s football game between Central Catholic and Whitmer,” Washington Local Schools spokesperson Katie Peters told WTOL 11. “At this time, we know that three people were shot, including two adults and one Whitmer student and were transported to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries. No guests were injured in the evacuation and we could not be prouder of our students, staff, Whitmer fans, and our guests from Central Catholic. The Whitmer Athletic policy of wanding and screening all guests was enforced and the WLS pre-established safety plan was initiated immediately. We will update as further information becomes available.”
Officials confirmed junior varsity and freshman football games were canceled for Saturday night. Whitmer HS Principal Jennifer Bronikowski announced there will be mental health services available between 4-7 p.m. on Sunday at the school. Classes are expected to resume Monday, as planned.
The Toledo Police Department said they have yet to make any arrests in connection to the shooting, but are reviewing surveillance video to identify a potential target.
“There is still a lot we don’t know about the events of last night, but we do know this – what happened in our City was unacceptable,” Lt. Paul Davis, the TPD’s Public Information Officer, said in a statement. “Everyone should be able to enjoy a Friday night football game without having to fear for their safety. We are thankful that no one was seriously injured, but we will not rest until those involved are brought to justice – and events like this never happen again.”
