LIBERTY, Pa. — Police arrested a 17-year-old boy after they say he fired a gun near the entrance of South Allegheny’s football stadium Friday night, sending players, cheerleaders and fans running for safety.
No one was hurt.
The gunfire happened shortly before 11 p.m., just minutes before the football game ended.
Witnesses described fear and confusion as word of a shooting spread through the stadium.
“All of a sudden, you hear a loud bang. The memory I will have is the cheerleaders, the football players, just sprinting for cover,” play-by-play announcer Paul Paterra said.
Paterra was broadcasting from the press box when the shot was fired.
He tried to remain calm while telling listeners what was happening and directed a camera operator to get off the roof of the press box.
Liberty Boro police said officers arrested the teenager within moments of the gunfire.
Investigators said he is not a student in the South Allegheny or visiting school district.
Liberty Boro Police Chief Ralph Marsico said the teen was identified as a student who attends Brashear High School in Pittsburgh.
Police said the teenager was carrying a loaded semi-automatic handgun with a round in the chamber.
The weapon had been reported stolen from Wilkins Township.
Lorie Davis was in the stands with her 6-year-old child while her 15-year-old son played middle linebacker on the field.
“Somebody said that was a gunshot, so everybody on the field started running. The parents in the stands started running,” Davis said.
Davis said she panicked because her children were in different parts of the stadium.
“I started panicking because I had two kids in two different spots, and I lost sight of him,” she said.
Her son eventually ran back to help his family reach safety.
Davis said he also helped a cheerleader and an elderly woman.
“There were a lot of kids,” Davis said. “Seeing the fear in the faces, I think, was something you weren’t prepared for — and hearing them cry.”
Investigators also found a bullet lodged in the ceiling near the stadium entrance.
Police said the gun and bullet will undergo forensic testing.
The teenager is expected to face several charges in juvenile court, including possessing a weapon on school property and endangering another person.
South Allegheny School District Superintendent Dr. David McDonald posted a statement online:
“We are grateful for the quick response of our South Allegheny School Police officers and the assistance of our local law enforcement partners. The safety of our students, athletes, families, staff and community remains our highest priority.”
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