KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Police say a 15-year-old boy was killed Thursday when he threw himself on top of three girls to shield them from shooters, reports CBS affiliate WVLT.

Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch said the shooting was gang-related, but the targets were chosen at random, including Zaevion Dobson, who was killed. Police said the shooting was one of three related incidents involving gunfire in Knoxville Thursday night and Friday morning.

One person has been arrested in connection with the shootings. Christopher Bassett, 20, is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. It is not clear if police have any suspects in Dobson's shooting.

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Fulton High School, where Dobson was a student and a member of the football team, offered grief counselors to students struggling with the news of Dobson's death.

His brother, Zack Dobson, said Zaevion lived to play football.

"That's what he did. He came home from school did his homework, watched film, watched documentaries of it, players. That's what he loved, football," said Zack Dobson.

Fulton High School football coach Rob Black described Dobson as a natural born leader, who led others by example.

"He's a sophomore only and already successful already leading a life that's contagious that people follow. So very liked by his peers and his teachers and his teammates. And that makes him successful," said Black.