Meachem Field evacuated during football game after fight, multiple Gunshots fired nearby

Syracuse, NY A semi-pro football game at Meachem Field ended early Saturday night after multiple gunshots were heard coming from a nearby parking lot, according to Witnesses at the field.

A fight and the Gunshots were reported at about 8:55 pm in a parking lot near the field at 121 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse police Spokesman Sgt. Thomas Blake said Saturday night.

The shots were fired near Clary Middle School, at 100 Amidon Dr.

Before the shots were fired, a few spectators in the stands started fighting during the fourth quarter of the Empire Football League game, said Joseph Casiano Jr., owner of the Syracuse Smash.

Security Hired by Casiano broke up the fight, they said.

(A man) went in his car and people started leaving right away, Casiano said. Our security started trying to find the person on foot to see if he had ID on him. Out of nowhere, people started hearing the gunshots.

Casiano said he heard multiple gunshots coming from the parking lot near the field. Initial dispatch reports indicated a 911 caller at the scene heard 10 gunshots.

A person believed to have fired the shots was seen running north on South Salina Street, dispatchers said. He was described as wearing a blue baseball cap, a black shirt and blue jeans, according to dispatch reports.

Police at the parking lot were seen talking with spectators shortly after the shooting.

Responding officers found evidence of gunshots, Blake said. One vehicle was found to have been struck by the gunfire, they said.

People were also fighting in the parking lot when officers arrived, Blake said.

No shooting victims were found and no suspects were taken into custody as of Saturday night, Blake said.

The Syracuse Police Department asks anyone with information to call them at 315-442-5222.

Staff Writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at 315-690-6950, at [email protected]or on Twitter at @byfernandoalba.