NORTH COLLEGE HILL, Ohio — People were again evacuated from the stadium during a North College Hill High School football game Friday night when shots were fired in the elementary school parking lot resulting in a student-athlete being injured, authorities say.
According to a North College Hill Police Department press release, the shots were fired around 8:15 p.m. Law enforcement evacuated the stadium and secured the crime scene. They say an investigation is ongoing.
Woodward Career Technical High School Principal Sam Yates told families in an email that a Woodward student-athlete was taken to a hospital for treatment.
“The events that occurred this evening are detrimental to the well-being of our entire community," the police press release reads. "Our thoughts are with every child, athlete, parent/guardian, faculty member, and visitor to our city that were subjected to this unnecessary and senseless act.”
Police also evacuated the stadium during a game on Sept. 6 due to nearby shots fired on Bising Avenue.
The principal of North College Hill, Eugene Blalock Jr., said in a social media post that he was “disheartened” by what occurred and concerned that “the emotional scars and trauma will be long-lasting.”
“I feel absolutely helpless, but I acknowledge that we cannot control the actions of those who choose to engage in harmful behavior,” he said.
Blalock said this would be the last game played at the stadium this season.
“I live in North College Hill," he told The (Cincinnati) Enquirer. "It’s a great community, but there are far too many guns out here on the street.”
The release issued by police on Saturday states they are reviewing “every aspect of these events” and are working with the school to “develop the most effective safety protocols by enhancing those in place.”
“These events do not indicate our community or represent our residents and businesses here in North College Hill,” the release reads. “We are unable to comment further as this is an active investigation. We want to assure everyone impacted by these frightening and needless shootings that we are prioritizing your safety.”
They are asking anyone with information contact Crime Stoppers or the police department at 513-521-7171.
A Cincinnati Public Schools spokesperson said a crisis response team "will be on-site to provide support to students as they return to school Tuesday.”
