7 arrested after teen gunned down as Bakersfield battles gang violence

In the aftermath of the tragic shooting of a 17-year-old at a high school football game in Bakersfield, authorities have arrested six additional individuals as part of efforts to prevent potential gang-related retaliation.

Levi Brown was fatally shot during the season-opening game at Independence High School last Friday night. Subsequently, police took into custody an unidentified 15-year-old on charges of murder and gang activity.

According to ABC 23, police announced on Monday that six more arrests had been made, including three teenagers, to curb any further violence stemming from the incident.

Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton noted, “The age range really isn’t any different from what we see a lot of other times as well. This is the unfortunate reality that people involved in gang shootings are oftentimes about this age.”

Authorities emphasized that the additional arrests were not directly linked to Brown’s murder.

As the community gathered on Monday night to honor Brown, his former coach described him to the California Post as an “exceptional athlete” with “all the talent in the world.” The coach, Vince Carter, expressed confidence in Brown’s future as a college football athlete.

The vigil included prayers and music, with mourners remembering Brown, who leaves behind a one-year-old daughter.

Manuel Carrizalez, founder and director of Stay Focused Ministries, who had mentored Brown, described him as a “great kid” with aspirations for the future. Carrizalez told ABC 23 that he had seen Brown just weeks before the incident.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by young people, Carrizalez commented, “They were never made to be gang members; they were never made to be drug addicts. This is when they are going to have to make decisions, as far as what they’re going to be involved in as juveniles.”

The shooting occurred just minutes into the game between Independence and Centennial High School, following a fight near the field’s perimeter.

Police arrived shortly after 8 p.m. to find Brown suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to Kern Medical Hospital, where he was declared dead.

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