Violent Brawl Erupts After Overtime High School Basketball Playoff in Vancouver
A teenager was seriously injured in a stabbing following a high school basketball playoff game at Eric Hamber Secondary in Vancouver on Monday night, according to police. The incident occurred after an overtime game between the Eric Hamber Griffins and the Killarney Secondary Cougars senior teams, which ended with a dramatic 97-95 victory for Killarney.
Police Detail the Chaotic Scene
Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police Department stated that the altercation happened around 9 p.m. at the school located on 33rd Avenue. "Police believe fights broke out between spectators, resulting in an 18-year-old boy being stabbed in the arm. The stabbing victim was taken to hospital and received medical treatment," Addison explained, emphasizing that the teen sustained serious injuries.
Senior basketball teams typically comprise both Grade 11 and 12 students, adding to the gravity of the situation involving young adults. No arrests have been made as of the latest reports, and investigators are actively seeking evidence.
Video Evidence and Witness Accounts Sought
Authorities are urging anyone who recorded cellphone video during the fight or the game to contact the VPD's youth investigative unit at 604-717-0614. Descriptions of the scene include:
- Small groups of boys engaged in physical altercations
- One boy in a white hoodie discarding his backpack to attack several others
- The Killarney team appearing amidst the chaos, with adults attempting to intervene
Social media posts, including one from the account @604RAW, captured the aftermath, showing the severity of the incident that has shocked the local community.
School and Police Response to the Violence
In response to the brawl, Addison confirmed that additional police school liaison officers would be deployed to both Eric Hamber and Killarney Secondary schools. The victim, identified as a former Vancouver school board student, highlights the personal connections within the educational community.
The Vancouver school board has communicated with parents from both schools via a letter, noting that several individuals were injured during the fight. This communication underscores the broader impact of the event on students, families, and staff.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
This violent episode raises significant concerns about safety at school sporting events and the potential for spectator conflicts to escalate. The investigation remains ongoing, with police focusing on gathering witness statements and digital evidence to identify those responsible.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security measures and community vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
