A high school football coach in California was shot while trying to break up a fight at the campus this week. The entire incident was caught on video.
A scuffle can be seen before the authoritative figure of the coach asks to keep a distance. A little later, shots are heard ringing out, as spectators rush for cover and safety.
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As per the Vallejo Police Department, the shooting occurred in front of Vallejo H.S., in Northern California, after classes ended at around 3:45 PM on Tuesday. Officials noted that several students were fighting “unknown males” at that time, and Joe Pastrana, the defensive coordinator on the school’s football team got in between and broke up the fight.
Cops say that after the altercation had broken up, a few got into a vehicle and started shooting while they drove off. One of the bullets hit Pastrana.
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In a statement this week, authorities said, “The motive and circumstances involving this incident remain under investigation,” adding.” Head coach Mike Wilson III added that the team took Pastrana’s news very hard, having received it when they were getting ready for practice.
“When we found out what happened all practices were cancelled”, Wilson told Times-Herald, adding, “When it was safe we told everyone to go home.” The head coach also shared that Pastrana’s condition is now stable.
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VP Police Chief Shawny Williams praised Pastrana for his heroism, saying, “This is a very courageous staff member that potentially saved another child’s life or multiple people’s lives.”
The incident brought out sharp reactions among those who see violence firsthand. I live here and that’s it. “This town is not safe. Yesterday there was some lunatic swerving into oncoming traffic trying to hit cars on Georgia Street. I’m so glad we moved our offices to Vacaville. So nice to get out of this nightmare of a town every day”, one Twitter user commented.
