The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) will limit the number of spectators at tonight’s football game between Archmere Academy and Howard after two teens were shot outside of a Middletown football game.
In recent weeks two other football games were interrupted by disturbance and fleeing spectators. On September 2, the football game between Delaware Military Academy and Howard at Abessinio Stadium was suspended after a panic sent the crowd running. Sources in law enforcement told FSU that officers originally responded to what was believed to be shots fired incident. Officers later determined that no shots were fired but did not say why the crowd panicked.
On September 16 police responded to a similar incident that sent the crowd fleeing across Foulk Road. Police did not release a statement regarding that incident.
Last night, September 23, just before 9:20, Friday night rescue crews from the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, New Castle County Paramedics, Trooper 4, and multiple police agencies responded to Bunker Hill Road in the area of Appoquinimink High School for reports of a shooting.
FSU has learned a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old female were struck by gunfire at that location. Initial reports are that the male was struck in a lower extremity and the female was seriously injured and airlifted to the trauma center via Trooper 4. Police have not confirmed the injuries or ages of the victims.
The Appoquinimink School District released a statement saying “On Friday evening, an incident occurred off school property, on Bunker Hill Road, with injuries involved. The State Police are investigating and have asked anyone with information to contact the Delaware State Police’s main number.”
A parent commented on the district’s Facebook page saying “It definitely started on school property even if the actual shooting wasn’t on school property. My son was stuck in the stampede when someone yelled that someone had a gun before a potential fight broke out. My son had no choice but to go with the stampede and leave the stadium in a panick.”
Police arriving at the scene found the female in the area of that roundabout that leads into the school complex. Officers also found a crime scene at that location. It’s not clear where the male victim was found by rescue crews.
A statement on Archmere’s Facebook pages reads as follows “Following the incident yesterday at the Appoquinimink vs Middletown game, DIAA has taken precautions to limit spectators for tonight’s game at Abessinio Stadium against Howard. No spectators will be allowed at the game except for two adults per rostered football player and cheerleader. There will be no entry after the second quarter.”
