Two shootings near Kentucky high school football fields raise safety concerns

KENTUCKY (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Two separate shootings near high school football fields in Kentucky this week are raising concerns about safety at school-related sporting events.

According to ABC affiliate WCHS News, 58-year-old Brian Irick was arrested Wednesday evening in Pike County after police say he fired shots from an apartment near Shelby Valley High School’s football field. Players, coaches, and cheerleaders were on the field at the time but were quickly evacuated.

Investigators say Irick admitted knowing practice was underway and claimed he fired toward the grass. He is charged with wanton endangerment and is being held on a $250,000 cash bond.

Meanwhile in Mayfield, a 14-year-old boy from Fulton was arrested after shots rang out during the fourth quarter of the “Battle of the Birds” rivalry game between Mayfield and Graves County. The gunfire caused panic among players and fans.

Police say 18-year-old Jordan Riley of Farmington was shot in the torso. He was airlifted to the hospital in stable condition. The teenage suspect is charged with first-degree assault and is being held in juvenile detention.

Both incidents remain under investigation.