A 17-year-old has been shot and killed during a high school football game in Bakersfield, California.
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The shocking incident unfolded on Friday night, sending players, families, and other spectators scrambling for safety.
Independence High School was playing its season opener against Centennial High School when the Bakersfield Police Department received reports of gunfire at around 8 p.m.
Football Shooting Leaves 17-Year-Old Dead
Sergeant Eric Celedon said the shooting occurred just outside the chain-link fence surrounding the field.
Investigators currently believe an altercation involving a group of people ultimately led to the fatal shooting.
"We know that families look forward to coming out here every Friday night and seeing their kids play on this field," Celedon said.
"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."
Authorities described the victim as a 17-year-old male but have not publicly released his identity.
Police have also yet to make any arrests in connection with the shooting as the investigation continues.
Fans Scrambled for Safety After Gunshots
Local sportscaster Vance Palm said the gunfire erupted only minutes after the game began.
"Just started the game and what we thought we heard...a firework or a shot," he said. "Certainly heard something, and then within a matter of seconds the entire Independence home stands all started rushing north [away from the shooting.]"
Despite the frightening nature of the incident, Celedon urged the community not to allow the tragedy to deter them from attending future games.
"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.
"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."
Following the fatal shooting, nearby Bakersfield Christian High School held a prayer service as the local community came to terms with the tragedy.
Investigators continue to work to establish the full circumstances of the shooting, with further details expected as the case progresses.
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