MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fights broke out, shots were fired and several arrests were made during high school football games Thursday night in Cordova and Whitehaven.

Shots rang out during the 2023 Memphis Shelby County Schools Football Jamboree at Cordova High School around 8:30. No injuries were reported.

According to Memphis Shelby County Schools, someone fired a shot into the air at a stadium parking lot.

Two cars fled the scene. One was stopped at a gas station nearby. One adult and three juveniles were arrested on weapon charges.

A 16-year-old male was charged with disorderly conduct, evading arrest on foot and obedience to police officers

A 15-year-old female was charged and issued a juvenile summons for assault

A 19-year-old male, identified as Michael Morgan, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting official detention. Reports state that while resisting arrest, officers dry stunned Morgan with a taser.

A witness told WREG there were two fights during the event, which forced officials to end things early.

“I was scared. I was ducking for my life,” Cordova High School senior Luis Garcia said.

MPD says they were also called to Whitehaven High School on Elvis Presley due to a large disturbance. The following charges were made:

According to police, citations for Disorderly Conduct were also issued to two 16-year-old males, a 17-year-old male, and a 22-year-old male.   

Both incidents remain an ongoing investigation.

Three high school football jamborees were scheduled at MSCS schools Thursday night, at Whitehaven Stadium, Cordova Stadium and Kirby Stadium. Ten to 12 teams were matched up in games at each location.

Memphis Shelby County Schools released the following statement regarding the incident:
On Thursday night, approximately 25 Sheriff’s deputies and School Resource Officers attended each football jamboree, and they swiftly defused a situation when an individual fired shots in the air at a stadium parking lot. We have not received any reports of injuries.

Over the last two school years, the District has invested nearly $40 million in safety upgrades to fund security cameras, upgraded safety technology, new fencing, and extra security personnel. As the gun violence epidemic continues to grip America, safety remains at the forefront of all our minds and planning.