Pennsylvania high school football game canceled after school bus struck by gunfire

A high school football game between Coatesville and Downingtown East scheduled for Thursday night was canceled as a "precautionary measure" after a Coatesville Area School District bus was struck by gunfire. The game was scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at Coatesville. 

The Downingtown Area School District announced the news on Facebook and said the decision was mutual with Coatesville. 

"We understand that this is disappointing news, and we will provide updates on a potential makeup date as soon as possible," the Downingtown Area School District wrote. "Please join us in offering our support and solidarity to the Coatesville community during this difficult time." 

At about 2:30 p.m., a Coatesville Area School District bus with students on board was struck by gunfire on the 300 block of Charles Street in Coatesville. The students and driver weren't injured in the shooting.

According to Dr. Catherine Van Vooren, the superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District, the bullet went through the windshield of the bus. 

"Obviously, this news is extremely concerning and upsetting," Vooren wrote in a statement. "Our full attention is on addressing this issue and the protection of our students. We are working with police to thoroughly understand the details of what happened and ensure that the students on this bus receive our full support in every way, and are transported safely to their homes."

It's unclear what led to the shooting, and the motive is unknown. 

"No child should be subjected to gunfire on a school bus. This is an active, high-priority investigation," the Coatesville Police Department and Chester County District Attorney's Office said in a joint statement. 

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Coatesville City Police Department at 610-384-2300.

Another Chester County football game canceled

The Coatesville-Downingtown East game wasn't the only game in Chester County to have their game postponed. 

Unionville High School announced its game against Kennett High School was postponed on Thursday night due to a possible knife fight. Unionville said it postponed the game as a precaution. Other activities at Unionville will continue as planned with an additional police presence on campus, according to the school. 

"We recognize that our senior cheerleaders, football players and marching band members will be especially disappointed in the postponement of their recognition at tonight's game," Principal Amy Jenkins wrote in a statement. "We will share more information with you once it becomes available, including a new game, date and time. On behalf of all of us at UCFSD, we extend our sincere thanks to our public safety partners and to all of you for patience and understanding." 

In:
• Pennsylvania
• Chester County
• Coatesville Area School District
• High School Football
• Coatesville Pa.