NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — The worst thing that should happen at a youth baseball game is a blown call by an umpire or a dropped ball by a player, but fans and players had to duck for cover when dozens of gunshots were fired during a game in South Carolina.
It happened Monday night during a Dixie Youth league baseball game at Pepperhill Park in North Charleston, WCIV reported.
Luckily no one was hurt when the shooting started around 8:45 p.m. in a parking lot near the park, WCBD reported.
Police said the shooting was a result of a fight between two groups, according to WCBD.
The shooting was caught on video. Warning: it may be disturbing for some.
A player was at the plate waiting to swing when the gunfire started. Kids froze, looking around before some ran off the field while others dropped to the ground at their positions or ran for cover, WCBD reported.
Police said the shooting had nothing to do with the players, coaches or the park, and officials are meeting with recreation officials to come up with a plan to ensure the safety of people at the city’s parks and playgrounds.
In total, three guns were found — one at the field and two others nearby, CNN reported. Shell casings were collected and some cars in the parking lot were damaged.
One of the team’s coaches said they have asked to not have games played at the ballpark because of violence in the area, WCIV reported.
A 16-year-old was shot and killed in the city on Sunday and there have been 11 homicides in North Charleston since the start of the year, according to WCIV.
North Charleston Mayor Keith Sumey’s office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooters, CNN reported.
Police will also be stationed at the fields when activities are scheduled there.