A 17-year-old boy died of his wounds from the shooting that took place at the Independence High School campus just yards from where a football game was being played with hundreds of people at the stadium.
Police officials said the 15-year-old was taken into custody in the 7500 block of Stockdale Highway. According to police, the 15-year-old suspect and 17-year-old victim knew one another. According to BPP spokesman Sgt. E. Celedon, it “was not a random act of violence,” police said in a statement Saturday.
Dozens of law enforcement officers from the Kern High School District, Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the Independence High School campus on Old River Road just after 8 p.m. for reports of a shooting.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the gunfire came after a fight involving several people. Investigators said the suspect and victim knew each other and described the shooting as not a random act of violence. Police also said the shooting happened within the exterior fence of the stadium, but outside the chain-link barrier around the field and track.
The 15-year-old was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder, firearm-related offenses and participating in a criminal street gang. Police said the gun used in the shooting has not been recovered, but they do not believe any additional suspects are outstanding. Officers from the Kern High School District, Bakersfield police and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office responded to the campus.
Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh released a statement via e-mail Saturday following the fatal shooting.
“My heart is with the family and loved ones of the young person whose life was tragically lost at Independence High School. I also know this incident has deeply affected students, families, school staff and people throughout our community.
I have remained in communication with Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton and Kern High School District Superintendent Mike Zulfa as their teams respond to this incident. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers, school officials and others who are working to investigate and support those impacted.
Thank you to all who have communicated expressions of caring and concern. What happened is heartbreaking, but it does not define Independence High School or Bakersfield. Bakersfield Police report this was an isolated incident. We are a community that cares for one another, supports our young people and comes together during difficult moments. We will continue working alongside our schools, law enforcement and community partners to keep Bakersfield a safe place to live, learn and raise a family.” Mayor Karen Goh.
The game was the first game of the season and was canceled as people evacuated the stadium and law enforcement rushed to the scene. The identities of the victim and suspect have not been released.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.