Shooting erupts at football game between Camden and Pleasantville

PLEASANTVILLE - Two people, including a young boy, were injured when gunfire erupted at a playoff football game Friday night between high schools from Camden and Pleasantville, authorities said.

The incident was under investigation by Pleasantville police and the Atlantic City Prosecutor's Office.

Prosecutor Damon Tyner would not comment on the victims' ages or identities, other than to say one adult male and a male child were struck, according to videos posted by multiple news outlets on social media.

The child was flown to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with "serious injuries," Tyner said.

Pleasantville police Capt. Matthew Hartman, reached by phone at the scene, initially said that "several victims" were hit at the game between Camden High School and Pleasantville High School.

He could not immediately offer additional information, but Pleasantville police Chief Sean Riggin described two victims as "one young juvenile and one adult male."

On Saturday, Tyner's office said five men had been charged in connection with the incident and confirmed that three people were shot, including a 10-year-old boy.

More: Five men charged in shooting at Pleasantville-Camden high school football game

All Camden High school players and students were "safe on the bus and are headed home," Camden district spokeswoman Alisha Brown said shortly after 9 p.m.

"For that, we have to thank our staff for acting quickly to make sure everyone remained safe," she added.

She said the gunfire erupted on the Pleasantville side of the field.

"Thank you to all of the dedicated staff, coaches, security officers, volunteers, and parents who helped make sure ALL of our children (including my own daughter) made it back home safe and sound," wrote Keith Benson, president of the Camden Education Association on Facebook.

"The work you all do for our kids goes far and beyond what many will ever know, but those of us who do, appreciate it greatly.

"All thoughts and prayers are extended to the Pleasantville fans who were injured ..."

Fernando Flores, 18, Pleasantville football player: “I was gonna go in for defense. As soon as I heard the shots, all my brothers were crying...”

He saw two young children shot up on the hill next to the bleachers, he said. pic.twitter.com/gf5lp38pjj — Amy S. Rosenberg (@amysrosenberg) November 16, 2019

In a video taken at the time of the incident, at least six shots can be heard during a punt on the field.

The video, tweeted by Jersey Sports Zone, shows a referee running from the field, while fans scramble out of the stands.

In a statement issued later Friday, the Camden district confirmed no city students "were injured or otherwise harmed during the incident."

"A very special thank you to our coaches, faculty, and staff who were onsite and acted quickly to ensure the safety of all our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pleasantville community in the wake of this unfortunate event," it said.

The NJSIAA also tweeted an acknowledgment of the gun violence at the game.

"The NJSIAA is aware of the incident at tonight’s Camden at Pleasantville playoff football game. We are following the initial reports of what took place. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected in the Pleasantville and Camden communities."

Photographer April Saul, a past Courier-Post contributor who chronicles Camden in her Facebook Camden NJ: A Spirit Invincible page, was at the game.

"Everyone ran for cover; the place went crazy," said Saul, shaken as she made her way home.

Breaking News: There was a shooting in the 3rd quarter of the Camden/Pleasantville state playoff football game. JSZ's Mike Frankel was there. 6 shots fired in the stands on Pleasantville side. More to come on Jersey Sports Zone pic.twitter.com/XMWKwJLrg8 — Jersey Sports Zone (@JSZ_Sports) November 16, 2019

Pleasantville's police chief said the victims were "seriously injured," but were alive "at this moment," according to a Twitter video posted by CBS3.

He said the gunfire erupted at 8:29 p.m. and noted that "numerous" Pleasantville High School administrators and Pleasantville Police were at the game.

Pleasantville coach Chris Sacco, reached by text declined to comment, but said he has "no clue" about how, when or whether the game would be completed.

Camden High School was visiting Pleasantville in the Central Jersey Group 2 semifinal.

Ryan Rothstein, an on-air host for 97.3 ESPN, said in a Twitter post that he was close to the gunfire.

"So luckily I am safe. One of my best friends is the D coordinator for Pleasantville. The gunman was 5 yards to my left. And I watched an 8 year old kid bleed out in front of me, who won’t make it.. I hit the deck and stayed down for 5 minutes, it felt like a lifetime. Wow."

Pleasantville's next game is scheduled Nov. 28 at Ocean City for the annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry game.