MANTECA, California — Three people were detained after shots were fired near Manteca High School during Friday night’s football game against Cesar Chavez High School, police said.
The gunfire was reported near the school’s Winter Gym at approximately 9:27 p.m. on September 11. No injuries were reported.
The sound of gunfire caused panic as spectators began leaving the campus. Cal-Hi Sports, which was covering the game, posted: “Didn’t hear anything but panic … Apparently shots fired. Everyone leaving.”
The outlet later confirmed that the Manteca-Chavez game had been called before it could be completed.
Six officers were already at the school
Six Manteca police officers were already stationed at the campus for the football game when the call was received, according to CBS News Sacramento.
Officers moved toward the Winter Gym area and began securing the campus. Initial reports said one person of interest had been detained, but a later update reported that three people were in custody.
Manteca Mayor Gary Singh urged people to leave calmly while officers responded, writing: “Please leave the high school in an orderly way.”
Police have not publicly identified the three detainees or said whether they are students. Authorities also have not confirmed whether a gun was recovered or whether criminal charges have been filed.
Unverified claims spread during the evacuation
Several posts shared during the confusion claimed that someone had also been stabbed. That information has not been confirmed by police, and authorities said no one was injured.
The Boys & Girls Club of Manteca and Lathrop acknowledged the effect of the incident on local families, saying violence involving young people “impacts all of us.” The organization offered support to children and parents struggling with what they witnessed or heard.
Police asked people to avoid the area while the investigation continued. Officials had not yet explained what led to the shooting, how many shots were fired or whether the person responsible was among those detained.
The incident comes amid wider concerns about gunfire in crowded public places. In New York, two people were recently injured after an NYPD officer’s holstered weapon discharged inside a subway station.
This article will be updated if Manteca police announce arrests, recover a weapon or release further details about the investigation.
Sources: CBS News Sacramento and KCRA/SFGATE.
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