3 shot outside Ohio high school football game as players, spectators rushed from field

Three people were injured in a shooting outside a high school stadium in Toledo, Ohio Friday night, in what Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz called a “terrible and traumatic event.”

The shots were fired behind Whitmer High School stadium around 9:30 p.m. during a game between Whitmer and Central Catholic High School.

Dramatic footage circulating on social media shows players, personnel, and spectators fleeing as shots rang out.

The three victims, two adults and one Whitmer student, were taken to a local hospital, Toledo Police spokesperson Paul Davis said in a statement.

According to Davis, a Toledo Police officer who was working off-duty at the game informed Lucas County Dispatch that shots were being fired at the stadium.

The officer, along with 15 off-duty deputies who were also working the game, began evacuating attendees and searching for victims.

No one was injured during the evacuation, Washington Local Schools said in a news release.

All three shooting victims sustained minor injuries, and they are expected to be OK.

The city and the school district are working together to determine what exactly happened outside the stadium.

“Surveillance video has already been helpful in identifying the potential target, and while no one is in custody at this time, TPD will continue its investigation until all facts are gathered and justice is served,” Kapszukiewicz, TPD Chief George Kral and Superintendent Dr. Kadee Anstadt said in a joint statement Saturday.

“There is still a lot we don’t know about the events of last night, but we do know this —- what happened in our City was unacceptable,” the statement added. “Everyone should be able to enjoy a Friday night football game without having to fear for their safety.”

Whitmer will be open on Sunday afternoon for people impacted by the events and who wish to speak to a counselor.

No arrests have been made, as of Saturday afternoon. Anyone with information is urged to call or text Crime Stoppers at (419) 255-1111.

“You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000,” Davis said.