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, and Coatesville high schools went remote 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 high school 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.
The district later opted to have a flexible instruction day for the intermediate and senior high schools, while elementary and middle schools remained on schedule with an increased police presence.
"We have spoken with the students who were on the bus to check on their well-being and will continue to stay in close communication with their families, offering full support services as needed. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Krapf school bus driver and the first responders for their quick and professional response to this situation," Van Vooren wrote in a letter to parents.
Nikki Batt, a bus driver in Downingtown, said she gives the bus driver credit in such a traumatic and tense situation.
"She was amazing in that moment to make sure she kept her wits about her and got the students away from the situation," Batt said.
"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."
