A high school football game in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was abruptly halted Friday night when a gunshot was heard just before 11 p.m. A 17-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene.
The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter of the game between South Allegheny and Elizabeth Forward high schools. Liberty Borough police took the suspect, identified as a student at Pittsburgh's Brashear High School, into custody.
Police reported recovering a loaded semi-automatic handgun from the suspect's waistband. The weapon was reportedly stolen. Authorities anticipate filing charges including receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a weapon on school property, reckless endangerment, and carrying a firearm without a license.
A .45-caliber round was recovered from the ceiling area of the stadium entrance, according to WTAE.
No injuries were reported as a result of the discharge. The gunshot created a chaotic scene, with attendees seen fleeing and seeking cover.
"This was an extremely serious incident," Liberty Borough Police Chief Ralph Marsico stated. "A firearm was discharged during a heavily attended school sporting event where numerous students, children, parents, school personnel, and members of our community were present. The potential for a far more tragic outcome cannot be overstated."
Jess Levo-Sten, a camera operator for TribLive's High School Sports Network livestream, described the immediate aftermath: "There was a loud shot, and I knew immediately what it was. Everybody paused and looked at each other, and then everybody started running."
South Allegheny Superintendent Dr. David McDonald expressed gratitude for the swift response from school police and local law enforcement partners. "The safety of our students, athletes, families, staff and community remains our highest priority," he said.
The suspect was transported to a juvenile detention center. The investigation is ongoing.