CINCINNATI -- Three people, one of whom is a retired police officer, were shot at Elder High School’s Panther Athletic Complex Tuesday night, according to Cincinnati Police Lt. Tim Brown.

 

The shooting happened at about 9:45 p.m.; the complex, on Quebec Road about a mile from Elder High's campus, had hosted a soccer game between Elder and Moeller that started at 7 p.m.

 

One victim, a 44-year-old man, was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment after being shot in the upper leg. The retired police officer and his 20-year-old son suffered less serious injuries and refused treatment. Brown said authorities believed the victim, who went to the hospital, did not have life-threatening injuries.

 

Cincinnati Police Sgt. Daniel Hils happened to be present, watching his son play soccer. He said he immediately jumped into action, called 911 and helped one of the victims. He said it appeared the shooter intentionally took direct aim at the crowd.

 

"I don't even know what I would begin to say," Hils said. "I can't even understand why folks having a peaceful night would be shot at. Its unimaginable. This whole thing is unimaginable."

 

Elder High School issued a statement via Facebook Wednesday morning.

 

Elder High School shooting: 3 people shot at Panther Athletic Complex Tuesday - Story

Wow...

You really have to wonder about how some people are wired...glad no one was killed or injured more seriously.

Craziness.

 

By the way, if you want good odds that an officer from CPD will be off duty attending an event bet on any Elder event.

Did they catch the shooter?

Elder normally has police (in uniform) at their soccer games, which I thought was odd. They had one or two there for the CCH/Elder soccer game a few weeks ago.

Elder normally has police (in uniform) at their soccer games, which I thought was odd. They had one or two there for the CCH/Elder soccer game a few weeks ago.

 

Why would it be odd? It's Price Hill in the evening for gosh sakes.

I changed my mind about going to the Elder/X game Friday night.

Why would it be odd? It's Price Hill in the evening for gosh sakes.

 

True but it's not like there are hundreds of rowdy people at those games and their athletic complex is separate from the school, up a big hill and pretty isolated from the neighborhood. I doubt anyone feels unsafe there.

True but it's not like there are hundreds of rowdy people at those games and their athletic complex is separate from the school, up a big hill and pretty isolated from the neighborhood. I doubt anyone feels unsafe there.

 

Are we discussing the same Price Hill? Problem is, you usually have to park your car "in the neighborhood" for games.

This was the email to the Elder faculty and staff from the AD.

 

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Unfortunately some of you might be waking up to the news that someone was shot at the PAC last night after the soccer game. It was me! Fortunately, I was treated, released and home by 12:30 AM. I am not coming to work today and I have no idea how to log onto Paycor , So Dr. Tucker, find me some subs and tell my classes to “Study”.

What the police know right now is that the bullet was from a rifle and probably shot from a good distance. The bullet didn’t fragment, went in and out of the back of my leg – just a flesh wound. Probably wasn’t targeting anyone, could have just been shooting at a stadium light, or up in the air. I like to believe that.

Am I lucky, yep! Just don’t want to focus on being “lucky” would rather continue to credit my Faith. Dan Hils (Alex’s dad) was the first to apply pressure to my wound and assure me that everything was going to be just fine. Just a week ago he lost his daughter but he was the first person “to give me comfort”.

I was able to call my brother, a friend and a neighbor to head to my house as I called Jill. I had to tell my wife over the phone that I had been shot but was OK…Mr. Hils assured her everything was OK and she was able to drive herself to the hospital.

My older brother met us at the PAC, while my lil brother headed to my mom’s house. Calling my mom and telling her I was OK was one hardest moments thus far.

My kids were already in bed and asleep when this all happened. In the morning, I have to tell them I was shot, I am OK but then I have to assure them that everything is always going to be OK? Jill and I know we can do this because we are a family of faith. Jill and my oldest, Colin, were working on his religion homework this evening, The Beatitude: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Uhhhhhhhhhh, interesting.

Elder is a community of Faith, too. So many people sending their prayers and messages of support. I haven’t had this many text messages and tweets since making an accidental “One Call” to over 3000 Elder families a couple of years ago. You should have seen how everyone at the PAC rallied to support one another and me. Nobody panicked or turned their back on the situation, we faced it with faith and courage. Elder grads and Officers Finley and Brogan met me at the hospital. The first detective was Elder grad Kevin Broering and father to my son’s best friend. These things don’t just happen, they happen for a reason, I believe it is Faith.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, sorry to ramble but I am probably not going to sleep real good tonight. Reason 5,984,329,145,834 to tell EVERYONE in my life “I love you” happened to me tonight.

· Someone check on “The Morning Meeting” in Room 315, they are rudderless without me

· We need 4 program sellers for Friday night’s game, they get a free ticket and should see Mr. Dabbelt after these announcements.

I love you all, I love what we are all committed to doing and where we are doing it at, I love Elder High School!

 

Kevin Espelage

Elder High School

Asst. Athletic Director/Teacher

Are we discussing the same Price Hill? Problem is, you usually have to park your car "in the neighborhood" for games.

 

Sounds to me like you've never been to their athletic complex. This isn't the Pit. It's probably a mile from the school up on a hill with on site parking, concessions, etc. You'd never know you were anywhere near Price Hill.

Are we discussing the same Price Hill? Problem is, you usually have to park your car "in the neighborhood" for games.

 

Not talking about the same place. I believe that Soccer, Baseball, Tennis and maybe Track are held at this site.

 

Google Panther Athletic Complex, they call it the PAC.

Sounds to me like you've never been to their athletic complex. This isn't the Pit. It's probably a mile from the school up on a hill with on site parking, concessions, etc. You'd never know you were anywhere near Price Hill.

 

You're right, was thinking of the football stadium.

I hear 2015 Elder grad and current NKU player Joey Sabato was in the parking lot at the time of the shooting and heard the shots and bullets go by over there heads. Thankful he and all the rest of those in attendance were all able to go home safe.