A soccer player with the Harrisburg Heat is in critical condition after being shot in Chester County in the early hours of Sunday morning. He was taken to Paoli Hospital where a hospital spokesperson says he is in critical condition as of 5 p.m. Monday.
West Chester Police say 35-year old Jason Hotchkin is in critical condition after being shot in the arms, legs, and back. They say the shooting happened after a fight along the first block of North Church Street. It happened just after 2 a.m. Police are not sure of a motive at this time.
Police arrested 25-year old Curtis Zebley of Kennett Square for the shooting. He’s charged with attempted murder. They say Zebley also shot another Harrisburg man during the fight, 35-year old Maffat Odvor received minor injuries.
Hotchkin was in West Chester for a youth event. He’s currently a coach with the Capital Area Soccer Association. He is also the team captain for the Harrisburg Heat.
Statement from Harrisburg Heat:
The Harrisburg Heat are closely following the shooting of Jason Hotchkin, a player from the Heat’s 2012-13 season. “We are shocked by the shooting and following the incident very closely,” commented Heat Managing Partner David Grimaldi. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason for a full recovery.” Hotchkin played 13 games for the Heat last season, scoring 1 goal and 4 assists. The upcoming Heat season begins play in November.
Harrisburg Heat Coach Richard Chinapoo said the community is in shock. “Everybody is concerned. Jason was a player with The Heat, but he is also a friend and he is also a soccer coach in the community. The coaching community is very tight. He was the team captain, he is very enthusiastic and he shows good leadership. He is easygoing, enjoys the game, enjoys kids, he enjoys what he does. He’s caring and he’s passionate about what he does, and that’s not something you can hide. So it just comes out naturally,” said Chinapoo. “He’s worked with CASA for a number of years and he’s been a positive role model, so it’s going to affect a lot of people. A lot of people are reaching out to find out what’s going on.”
