Mesa police investigate gunfire near Skyline High School
Two separate reports of shots fired in the same neighborhood over consecutive nights have left school officials and families questioning the safety of the baseball field.
By Nour Haddad ·
Mesa police are investigating two incidents involving reported gunfire near Skyline High School, occurring on consecutive nights. The first report came in on Wednesday, followed by a second in the same area on Thursday. Local parents are now demanding clearer answers about the security of the school grounds.
The initial incident took place during a baseball game at the high school. Derek St. John, a student at the school, was at bat when he heard shots from across the street. He described the sound as two additional shots following the crack of the ball hitting the mitt. Although a truck was visible in the right-center field area, the players continued the game without stopping.
Parents provided video footage to local media that captures the audio of the shots and the sudden halt in the game. In the background, bystanders can be heard calling for police. Kate St. John, Derek’s mother, stated that the family wants law enforcement to identify the shooter or shooters. She questioned what would happen if the students returned to the field and faced the same situation again.
Mesa police responded to the Wednesday incident but did not find physical evidence of a shooting. Kate St. John noted that officers did not visit the field itself. She asked why the police did not stay to speak with the umpire or other witnesses who saw the event. Investigators are currently seeking leads regarding the Wednesday night occurrence.
A second report of gunfire was received on Thursday in the same general area. Police stated that they believe the Thursday shooting was isolated to a nearby neighborhood and that the school was not the specific target. During that incident, one student playing on the field was struck by an object in the air. The student is okay, though police have not confirmed if it was a stray bullet.
The Mesa Police Department is asking for information from the public. Anyone with details about the Wednesday or Thursday incidents is asked to call 480-644-2211. The department has not released a timeline for when the investigation might conclude.
