Shooting incident disrupts high school football game between Corcoran and Strathmore
Gun shots rang out during the Corcoran and Strathmore high football game Friday night.
The shooting came in the first quarter when Strathmore had the ball before at least six gun shots sounded as the Spartans ran a play. There was a slight pause before more shots were fired.
When shots stopped firing, both teams ran to the side line and ducked for cover. The referees also shielded cover at midfield.
Fans also ducked for cover as officers with the Corcoran Police Department quickly responded to the shooting nearby.
“At last night’s football game, there was a shooting incident near Bret Harte. Corcoran staff and PD responded quickly, ensuring the safety of everyone at the stadium,” Corcoran High Superintendent Andre Pecina said.
“CPD determined that the incident was isolated to a residence, allowing the game to continue. Unfortunately, this positive night was overshadowed by senseless violence. No one — especially our children — should live in fear. To make a safer Corcoran, we all need to speak up: if you see something, say something. The safety of our students, families, and staff was and will always be our priority. We will provide counseling support to any students or staff who need it.”
Corcoran Police Captain Pedro Castro said officers found evidence of a shooting that is pending investigation.
He said a home was struck by gunfire and that they also responded to a secondary shooting later Friday night that could be related.
Strathmore coach Jeromy Blackwell said he never experienced anything like that and at first he was confused.
“I heard the whistle blow and they were yelling get down,” he said. “Initially I thought I was being penalized. Then I scanned the stands looking for my wife and started worrying about the 45 kids that belong to other parents on my sideline. Kind of a helpless feeling and never experienced that before. I spoke to officials and they never had either. I never want to experience it again.”
There were no reported injuries, police said.
In 2016, gunfire erupted near a Selma High football game.
A collision of two cars just outside Selma’s football stadium followed by an exchange of gunfire caused officials inside the stadium to stop the varsity game at halftime.
No one was injured in the Selma shooting.
This story was originally published October 26, 2024 at 4:37 PM.
