LANCASTER, Pa. - Friday night J.P. McCaskey was playing William Penn Sr. High School at Small Athletic Field in York. McCaskey was winning 26-6 with about 8 minutes left in the game when shots were heard in the parking lot.
The shots were fired shortly after 9:34 p.m.
Police say prior to the shooting the two men, identified as 23-year-old Darius Allen, of York City, and 20-year-old Antwan Jackson, of York, were fighting inside the stadium. Gunfire erupted just outside the gate after both men were escorted out of the game by York City school police officers.
Allen was hit once in the abdomen and Jackson was shot in the back, police said.
The men were rushed to a local hospital for treatment.
The stadium was immediately locked down and no one was allowed in or out of the facility until police cleared the scene in the parking lot, according to Dr. Eric Holmes, superintendent for the York City School District.
No students were hurt, Holmes said.
Though the incident happened at an away game it has prompted McCaskey to review their own procedures and hold meetings to discuss the event, discuss counseling for students and talk about their own plans for future events.
As per the District's website:
A message from Superintendent Rau:
On Friday, September 9, during the final quarter of the York High and McCaskey football game, an altercation occurred outside of the stadium in a parking lot. The incident was unrelated to the game, either school, or any of the students or staff from the schools. Unfortunately, two gunshots were fired, resulting in injury to two individuals, also unrelated to the schools.
Persons inside the stadium heard the shots and before the stadium was secured, many of the attendees moved to the exits. Shortly thereafter, the stadium was locked down and safety and order was maintained inside the gates as law enforcement secured the entire area. Our staff and students were immediately accounted for to ensure their safety.
When the all clear was given, McCaskey students (band, cheerleaders, football players and associated staff) evacuated to the buses. Following a pre-established safety plan, the students and staff loaded the buses and were escorted out of the area by York law enforcement officers. Students arrived safely back at the McCaskey Campus around midnight.
A sincere thanks and gratitude to our staff for reassuring the students and handling this unfortunate event with professionalism and grace.
As a result of the incident, many students, parents and staff were understandably concerned and the District is well aware of and shares these feelings. On Monday morning, September 12, students, concerned Campus staff and parents are welcome to attend a meeting at the JP McCaskey auditorium at 8:30 AM. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the facts of the event, discuss options for counseling for students or others who continue to be affected, share details of our ongoing safety measures, and discuss plans for enhanced security at future events. High School and District administration will be on hand and participating in the assembly. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to ask questions and share perspective with District administration.
In addition, on Tuesday evening, September 13 at 5:30 PM, a similar forum will be held on campus at the McCaskey East High School Auditorium, where parents and others can receive a similar briefing and share their concerns and ideas. As part of the continuing efforts to enhance security and safety for our schools, a review of our procedures will be conducted in the near future, and those with interest in contributing are encouraged to attend. Announcements regarding these meetings will be published through the District's normal communication methods.
The School District of Lancaster is fully committed to ensuring the safety of every student, staff member and visitor to all local events, as well as working with our partners in neighboring communities to ensure safety at away events.
Thank you,
Damaris