dpBAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Police Department investigators confirmed the shooting at Independence High School during the football game was gang-related. Officers have since made multiple arrests and recovered guns. Investigators believe six alleged gang members arrested in two separate incidents, with guns, masks, gloves and face coverings, may have been preparing for retaliatory acts tied to the ongoing gang conflict.
The Bakersfield Police Department investigators confirmed the shooting at Independence High School during the football game on Friday was gang-related. The shooting left 17-year-old Levi Jermaine Carter Brown dead. A 15-year-old boy was arrested for murder and participation in a criminal street gang.
RELATED: Coroner identifies 17-year-old boy killed in Independence High School shooting
Bakersfield police announced the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect in a deadly shooting that left a 17-year-old dead during a football game at Independence High School on Friday, August 21, 2026. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX, BPD
Police said since the incident, officers assigned to our Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) have been actively working to identify and prevent potential retaliatory violence within the community. According to police, those efforts have already resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of guns.
Bakersfield police said on Saturday night, SEU officers arrested 18-year-old Jaheim Leverett and two 15-year old teens who were found in possession of a gun, face coverings, and gloves.
The Bakersfield Police Department investigators confirmed the shooting at Independence High School during the football game was gang-related. Officers have since made multiple arrests and recovered guns. PHOTO: BPD
The Bakersfield Police Department investigators confirmed the shooting at Independence High School during the football game was gang-related. Officers have since made multiple arrests and recovered guns. PHOTO: BPD
Early Monday morning, BPD officers stopped another vehicle occupied by 18-year-old Adam Porras, 18-year-old Sean Reyes, and a 17-year-old juvenile. Police said during that investigation, officers recovered two guns, along with masks and gloves.
The Bakersfield Police Department investigators confirmed the shooting at Independence High School during the football game was gang-related. Officers have since made multiple arrests and recovered guns. PHOTO: BPD
Police said all of the people involved in these incidents are known gang members.
Police said, “Based on the circumstances surrounding these arrests and information developed during the investigations, investigators believe these individuals may have been preparing to commit retaliatory acts of violence related to the ongoing gang conflict.”
RELATED: 15-year-old arrested in deadly shooting at Independence High football game
Police are asking parents, families, and our entire community to help them prevent the next act of violence. “If you have a young person in your life, now is a good time to have a conversation with them. Watch for changes in behavior, who they are spending time with, what they are posting or seeing on social media, and whether they suddenly have access to weapons, masks, gloves, or other items that concern you,” said in a release. “Having that conversation may be uncomfortable, but the alternative can be devastating. Our goal is not simply to make arrests. Our goal is to intervene before another young person loses their life, takes someone else’s life, or makes a decision that forever changes their future and the lives of their family.”
Parents and families concerned about a young person’s involvement in violence or gangs can call the City of Bakersfield Office of Violence Intervention & Prevention (OVIP) at (661) 852-7000. Police said OVIP works with community partners to provide violence-prevention, intervention, outreach, mentorship, and support resources for individuals and families.
Anyone with information regarding potential acts of violence is asked to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111. In an emergency or when there is an immediate threat to someone’s safety, call 911. To report suspected gang activity, please call the Gang Hotline at (661) 325-GANG (4264).
