Harper Woods Teen Injured in Shooting During Chandler Park Academy Playoff Game
Harper Woods, Michigan – A tense and terrifying night unfolded at Chandler Park Academy on Friday, November 7, 2025, when a 17-year-old boy from Warren was shot during a high school football playoff game between Harper Woods High School and Chandler Park Academy. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the school just minutes before the game ended, turning an evening of school spirit and competition into one of fear and chaos.
According to the Harper Woods Police Department, the shooting happened at approximately 9:30 p.m., shortly after a large fight erupted outside the stadium. What began as a verbal altercation among groups of teens quickly escalated, leading to gunfire that left one young person injured and dozens of spectators running for safety.
The victim, a 17-year-old Warren resident, was struck in the lower torso. Despite the seriousness of the incident, police confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening. Emergency medical personnel from the Harper Woods Fire Department responded immediately, providing first aid on the scene before the teen was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
Authorities say that the shooting took place despite a strong law enforcement presence at the event. Officers from Harper Woods Police, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police were all stationed at the game to ensure safety due to the large crowd expected for the playoff matchup. The fact that the incident still occurred underscores how quickly violence can erupt, even in heavily monitored environments.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and emotional. Spectators in the stands heard loud arguing coming from the parking lot moments before several gunshots rang out. Fans, players, and families began running for cover as police rushed toward the area. Some parents were seen frantically searching for their children amid the confusion.
One parent, who had attended the game to support her son, told reporters, “You come out here to cheer for the kids, and suddenly everyone is running. It’s heartbreaking that our children can’t even enjoy a game without something like this happening.”
As of late Friday night, no suspects were in custody, and police had not released a description of the shooter. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the school and nearby businesses in hopes of identifying those involved in both the fight and the shooting.
Harper Woods Police Chief Vincent Smith stated that detectives are “actively following up on leads” and working closely with regional law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. He emphasized that the community’s cooperation is essential, urging anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or recorded video to contact police immediately.
The victim’s family, while grateful that his injuries were not fatal, expressed devastation that their son’s life was endangered during a school event meant to bring young people together. The school district released a brief statement early Saturday morning, acknowledging the incident and offering counseling resources for students and staff affected by the traumatic event.
“Chandler Park Academy and Harper Woods High School are committed to ensuring our students’ safety and well-being,” the statement read. “We are working closely with law enforcement and will review safety procedures at all future athletic events.”
The shooting adds to growing concerns about violence at school sporting events across Michigan and the nation. Despite increased security and the presence of multiple police agencies, these incidents continue to raise questions about prevention and community accountability.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the young victim, whose name has not been released due to his age, and on finding the person responsible for shattering what should have been a night of celebration and sportsmanship.
As Harper Woods wakes from a night marked by panic and heartbreak, the message from authorities is clear: the investigation will not stop until the shooter is found and justice is served.
