Courtesy Instagram
BAKERSFIELD, CA (KUZZ) — Bakersfield Police Department investigators say the shooting at Independence High School during Friday night’s football game was gang-related.
The shooting left 17-year-old Levi Jermaine Carter Brown dead. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and faces charges of murder and participation in a criminal street gang.
Since the shooting, police have made multiple arrests and recovered several guns.
Investigators say six alleged gang members arrested in two separate incidents may have been preparing for retaliatory acts connected to an ongoing gang conflict. Police also recovered guns, masks, gloves and other face coverings during the arrests.
Police said since the incident, officers assigned to our Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) have been actively working to identify and prevent potential retaliatory violence within the community. According to police, those efforts have already resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of guns.
Bakersfield police said on Saturday night, SEU officers arrested 18-year-old Jaheim Leverett and two 15-year old teens who were found in possession of a gun, face coverings, and gloves.
Early Monday morning, BPD officers stopped another vehicle occupied by 18-year-old Adam Porras, 18-year-old Sean Reyes, and a 17-year-old juvenile. Police said during that investigation, officers recovered two guns, along with masks and gloves.
Police said all of the people involved in these incidents are known gang members.
Police said, “Based on the circumstances surrounding these arrests and information developed during the investigations, investigators believe these individuals may have been preparing to commit retaliatory acts of violence related to the ongoing gang conflict.”
Police are asking parents, families, and our entire community to help them prevent the next act of violence. “If you have a young person in your life, now is a good time to have a conversation with them. Watch for changes in behavior, who they are spending time with, what they are posting or seeing on social media, and whether they suddenly have access to weapons, masks, gloves, or other items that concern you,” said in a release. “Having that conversation may be uncomfortable, but the alternative can be devastating. Our goal is not simply to make arrests. Our goal is to intervene before another young person loses their life, takes someone else’s life, or makes a decision that forever changes their future and the lives of their family.”
Parents and families concerned about a young person’s involvement in violence or gangs can call the City of Bakersfield Office of Violence Intervention & Prevention (OVIP) at (661) 852-7000. Police said OVIP works with community partners to provide violence-prevention, intervention, outreach, mentorship, and support resources for individuals and families.
Anyone with information regarding potential acts of violence is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111. In an emergency or when there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety, call 911. To report suspected gang activity, please call the Gang Hotline at (661) 325-GANG (4264).
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