Joe Pastrana, the defensive coordinator of the Vallejo High School, was shot in the hip while breaking up a fight as the school day was ending at around 3:40 p.m., the Vallejo Times-Herald reported.
The suspect was in a black Audi and sped off after the shooting. The shooter is not a student, Vallejo High athletic director and head baseball coach Josh Ramos told the newspaper.
Head football coach Mike Wilson said Pastrana is in a stable condition at a local hospital, the Times-Herald reported.
A short video circulating on social media appeared to capture the shooting. People can be heard screaming and running for cover as gunshots ring out in the clip.
In a message to the community, Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent William Spalding said an argument between students and unknown males took place at around 3:40 p.m.
“The fight was broken up by staff members. As the three males fled the area, a shooting occurred, and the staff member was struck at least once, suffering a non-life-threatening injury,” Spalding said.
Vallejo High School was put on lockdown for about 15 minutes after the shooting. At the time, there was a college fair and three classes in session. About 200 student-athletes were also on campus, Spalding said.
“After the area was declared safe by the Vallejo Police Department, the remaining students and staff were released through the campus’ east gate,” he said in the message.
Classes are scheduled to resume as scheduled Wednesday with an increased security and police presence.
Mental health providers will be available for students who need additional support, Spalding said.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams hailed Pastrana as “very courageous.”
“It’s a tragedy anytime there is a shooting anywhere near a school. This is a senseless act of violence committed by some individuals who do not value human life,” Williams said. “Enough is enough. It’s a sad day anyone is shot in front of our children at school where they should feel safe.”
The motive and circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.
It comes less than two months after a shooting at nearby John Finney High School.
In that incident, police said a suspect entered an empty field near the far west end of the campus on July 20 and discharged a firearm.
School staff heard the noise and the school administration immediately put the school on lockdown. More than 400 summer school students were kept on lockdown for almost two hours. No suspect has been apprehended in that incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vallejo Police Department Detective Division at 707-648-4524.
