A security officer is reportedly in a critical state after being shot in the back of the head while attempting to intervene in a brawl during a high school football match, according to The Independent.
The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday in a parking lot adjacent to Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica, New York.
The football match, contested between Proctor High School and Binghamton High School, was nearing its conclusion when a skirmish erupted in the parking lot. Two security officers endeavored to quell the dispute, during which one of them was reportedly hit in the back of the head by a bullet.
The injured guard was promptly transported to a medical facility where he remains in critical condition, as stated in a police report released on Facebook.
A 16-year-old male was apprehended following the shooting and faces charges of attempted murder. Authorities have stated that the accused is not a student at either of the high schools involved in the football match, but is currently enrolled in an alternative education program.
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams reported that the altercation ensued after a security officer attempted to deny a group entry to the varsity football game just moments before the shooting. "He suspected that something wasnt right with this group and he refused to lead into the stadium, Williams said.
Despite the stadium being equipped with metal detectors capable of identifying firearms, the group was turned away before any weapon was detected, as per the report.
While no clear motive has been established, authorities speculate that the incident could be gang-related. It is also believed that there was only one shooter involved, although this has yet to be confirmed.
In response to the incident, school officials canceled on-campus activities on Sunday and all after-school activities on Monday, with counseling services being made available to students if required.
The Utica Police Department Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating the case, examining surveillance and social media footage to gather further information about the incident. The police statement also commended the bravery of the security officers involved, stating, "We would also be remiss if we did not mention the heroics of this security officer and the others who attempted to break up the fight and put themselves in harms way so the spectators and students watching the game were not in danger."
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