Gunshots force suspension of Bridgeport football game

Police investigate a shooting during the Harding High football game along Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, Conn. on Thursday Nov. 27, 2014. Police investigate a shooting during the Harding High football game along Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, Conn. on Thursday Nov. 27, 2014. Photo: Christian Abraham Buy photo Photo: Christian Abraham Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Gunshots force suspension of Bridgeport football game 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

BRIDGEPORT -- A flurry of gunfire brought an abrupt end to the annual Harding-Central football clash and sent horrified fans home and police in pursuit of the suspects just before noon Thursday.

No one was hit by the five shots fired from the Boston Avenue side of the stadium. Police were not able to apprehend any of the five suspects, all dressed in black, seen running to two separate cars and speeding off.

The gunfire took place with Harding up 14-6 and just five minutes left in the 89th contest between the two crosstown rivals.

Police believe the shooting to be gang-related. Plans are being made to finish the game.

"This has gotten out of control," said Steve McKenzie, who lives nearby. "These people have no regard for life, no respect for anything. Every time this city tries to move forward they come around and push it back. It's ridiculous, it's embarrassing and it's dangerous. "

Approximately 1,200 people, including Mayor Bill Finch and his four sons, attended the contest. The mayor's two older boys played football for Central and attending the annual game has become a tradition for the family.

But the sounds of gunfire sent many fans fleeing toward the safety of Harding High School while both teams retreated to their respective locker rooms.

Extra police were summoned to the field, which is located at the corner of Boston and Central avenues. Many helped evacuate the stadium.

A second ambulance was called to the scene but no victims were found.

After conferring for 35 minutes, officials decided to suspend the game until a future date.

"What happened sends chills up my spine," said Al Vliske, who with his girlfriend, Kathy Stephens, watched as six police officers combed the grounds for shell casings. "This is Thanksgiving Day. You're supposed to be showing thanks for what you have."

At least one of the bullets pierced the hood of a Nissan Maxima bearing New York license plates. The car was among a half-dozen parked on a grassy area outside the stadium's Boston Avenue entrance.

"Some people just have no conscience," added Stephens. "I hope they find them fast."

Across the street, Chris Zahor, of Monroe, who was cleaning up in his Rub-A-Dub-Dub laundry, was not surprised. He pointed to bullet holes in the tin framework outside his business.

"Sixty years ago this was a big event in town," he said. "This was THE game. Now look at what it's become."

A passing neighbor said he feels for the seniors playing their last game and leaving with this memory.

"That's sad," he said. "I've got a 16-year-old daughter in high school who attends the game. I can't imagine being a parent and getting the phone call that she was shot. It's damn crazy."

Harding, which was trying to end a 15-game losing streak against its arch rival, had just extended its lead to 14-6 when the shots rang out.

"Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and the stadium was evacuated by police as an added safety measure," said Brett Broesder, a spokesman for the mayor, who was at the shooting scene about 2 p.m.

"We're confident that those who perpetrated this unfortunate act near the stadium will be caught. And, we're hopeful that the football players at Harding and Central will be able to get suited up and back out on the field to finish this much-anticipated game soon."