BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — One week after a deadly shooting at Independence High School, high school football returned to Kern County on Friday night as law enforcement and school officials increased security at games and urged fans to help prevent more violence.
Fans flee after gunshots rang out during Independence High School’s football game on Friday, August 21, in Bakersfield, CA. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Gunfire erupted during a football game at Independence High School last Friday, killing 17-year-old Levi Brown. The shooting led to multiple arrests.
With the Friday night lights back on, Kern County law enforcement focused on making sure violence on school grounds does not happen again. Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton said the Bakersfield Police Department worked with the Kern High School District throughout the week to increase safety measures.
“We spent this week at the Bakersfield Police Department working with the current high school district to ensure that we have a safe environment for our families, for our students and our student athletes,” Stratton said.
At Liberty High School in Bakersfield, the increased security was noticeable, with more police, more school security and new rules aimed at tightening control over who gets into games and what happens once they are inside.
FILE-KHSD Seal. (KBAK/KBFX)
Some attendees said they welcomed the changes.
“I’m glad that they’re doing that, vamping up security is always a good thing,” Jacob Goff said.
“Every school, they need it really bad,” Frances Padilla said.
“I think it’s about time they did something like that,” James Akiens said.
Dana Speight said the visible presence of officers could help deter conflicts in the stands.
“I see the officers walking around. Just a sense of presence. That’ll make you think twice before, you know, get into arguments,” Speight said.
Police also emphasized that security cannot rely only on officers patrolling games. In a social media post, the Bakersfield Police Department asked fans to partner with law enforcement to help keep the community safe.
“If you see something please report it, please say something. Let security know, let a high school district officer know, let a Bakersfield Police officer know,” Stratton said.