BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 15-year-old boy was arrested on charges of murder and gang participation in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy during an Independence High School football game, which police say was not random. The Bakersfield Police Department said that as a result of the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting at the Independence High School football game, a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody in the 7500 block of Stockdale. Highway, near Coffee Road, and arrested for murder and participation in a criminal street gang. The shooting occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday, August 21, inside the gates of the school’s football stadium and south of the football field as the game was in progress, according to police. The Bakersfield Police Department said they are investigating a shooting at Independence High School on Friday night. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX Officers found a 17-year-old boy with gunshot wounds. He was taken to Kern Medical, where he later died. RELATED: 17-year-old boy shot to death at Independence HS during football game in Bakersfield Investigators initially said the shooting appeared to stem from an isolated altercation involving a group of people. Bakersfield police said investigators determined that the victim and suspect knew each other and that this was not a random act of violence. Police also released a photo showing the teen suspect’s back being detained, with an officer patting him down and the suspect in handcuffs. Our condolences remain with the family and loved ones of the 17-year-old who tragically lost his life. We also recognize the impact this incident will have on the family of the 15-year-old who was arrested. The lives of two young people and two families have been changed forever by an act of violence, and we extend our compassion to all those affected by this tragedy.” He said: “An act of violence in a place where our community should be able to gather safely affects many more people than those directly involved. In difficult times like this, the strength of our community matters. It is our willingness to support each other, care for those who are suffering, and unite around our young people that will help us move forward. That sense of community will be a driving force that will help us all get through the days ahead. Police said the shooting remains an active investigation and will continue to share additional information as it becomes available.
