A highly anticipated football game in Pittsburgh nearly turned deadly when shots rang out on the city’s South Side. Now, according to police, three teenagers have been injured and a male suspect remains on the loose.
As recorded by Pittsburgh’s 22 The Point and reposted by the Post-Gazette’s Brad Everett, members of victorious Westinghouse were discussing their 35-0 win over University Prep on Thursday night when several loud pops were heard in the background.
The viral footage shows the post-game interview coming to an awkward end as players and a few remaining attendees began fleeing the shots.
Two teenage boys and a teenage girl were taken to a nearby hospital and are now in stable condition, according to Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando, who said the altercation took place outside the game at George K. Cupples Stadium.
It remains unclear if either the victims or the shooter actually attended the football game at any point. Lando said the game had a heavy police presence both inside and outside the stadium, which utilized metal detectors on Thursday, according to WBALtv.com.
‘As the game ended, there was a large crowd out here on Carson Street,’ Lando told local media. ‘A couple of fights broke out. We had multiple officers from the city and Port Authority that were on the scene, helping to just facilitate people safely getting out, breaking up a couple fights, when suddenly, an individual pulled out a firearm and fired multiple rounds.’
Members of victorious Westinghouse were discussing their 35-0 win over University Prep on Thursday night when several loud pops were heard on Pittsburgh’s South Side
Panicked players, coaches and a few remaining spectators are seen fleeing Cuddles Stadium
Police say several fights broke out along Carson Street behind Cupples Stadium (pictured)
Video from 22 The Point underscored the chaos and confusion of the horrifying moments following the shooting.
With players discussing the absence of their head coach Donta Green, who reportedly had a work function to attend Thursday night, the gathered team suddenly turned its attention off camera.
‘Even if he’s not here, we’re gonna do the same thing day in and day out,’ one player told 22 The Point.
‘What do you think his response is gonna be for you today?’ the reporter asked, only to have her question go unanswered.
At this moment, everyone began scurrying towards the exit besides the reporter, who raised a trophy and told the camera: ‘We’re gonna… honor this win for Coach Green.’
The screen then cut to a wide shot, showing the panicked crowd trying to make its escape.
No other injuries have been reported and the police investigation is ongoing.
For Westinghouse (5-0), the shooting marred an emotional blowout win over a team that had won the previous matchup a year ago.
‘This one was real personal,’ senior Jordan Reid told the Post-Gazette prior to the shooting. ‘I feel like they took it from us last year. They took our swag, so we had to get it back.’
