Police are investigating a shooting in front of Vallejo High School that left a staff member injured Tuesday.
The police department said that the staff member broke up a fight between students and unknown men in front of the campus around 3:45 p.m. That's when those involved fled the area in a dark-colored sedan while shooting back at those still on the scene.
The staff member was hit at least once and suffered non-life threatening injuries, police said.
“What we’ve learned based on the investigation is that there was an altercation involving students in front of the school in the street,” said Vallejo Police Department Chief Shawny Williams.
The Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent, William Spalding, would not confirm the staff member’s identity, but there was an outpouring of concern from friends and students who say the person shot was football defensive coordinator, Joe Pastrana, known as Coach Joe.
“The fact that he was here, he potentially saved a child’s life,” said Williams.
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There were about 200 student athletes on campus at the time of the shooting so the school was placed on lockdown.
Spalding was asked if all protocols were followed and if parents should feel their kids are safe on campus and said, “In terms of what went wrong I’d have to challenge that. We responded very strongly for the safeguarding of our students.”
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The police said that they don't believe the men that shot at the staff member and drove off are students.
“This is a senseless act of violence committed by some individuals who do not value human life,” said Williams. “Enough is Enough. It’s a sad day anyone is shot in front of our children at school where they should feel safe.”
The staff member was transported to the hospital where he is recovering from his injuries.
Vallejo High School is expected to resume classes as scheduled Wednesday.
"This is an act committed by someone that doesn’t value human life enough is enough,” said Williams. “Our children need to feel safe when they come to school."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 707-648-4524.
