Security changes are planned after a Point Loma High School student brought a pellet gun to the school’s homecoming football game on Sept. 6. The gun, seen by students, was reported without hesitation to staff members, and San Diego Police were immediately called to the stadium.

“They were here in a heartbeat,” said Pointer Principal David Jaffe, who added that the student was pointed out and arrested without further incident. The gun was recovered and it was determined to be an empty pellet gun. Jaffe emphasized that at no time were any students or spectators endangered.

The incident occurred in a packed area behind the stadium just after the halftime homecoming ceremonies on the field and track showcasing student groups and alumni. This area has been a gathering place for years where dozens of unsupervised youth from elementary to adult ages “hang out.” The only reasons for people to be in this area are to purchase concessions or use the restrooms.

Upon witnessing the chaos and unruly crowd that night, the franchise owner of the Sports Arena Chick-fil-A restaurant, which serves as a concessionaire for home Pointer football games, shut down his operation and removed his crew from the premises.

A fight that broke out minutes later was unrelated and dealt with by school officials.

Some rowdiness earlier in the evening involved Pointer students in the stands including throwing objects at others. An announcement over the PA system warned students to stop or face ejection from the event.

“I am disappointed in a few students in our student section as it was a large crowd and they generally were behaving pretty well,” Jaffe said. “These few students ruin the experience for the masses. We will increase security monitoring in both the stands and behind the home section.”

Another problem facing school administrators is groups of children from elementary to middle school ages being dropped off by parents to attend the game including Point Loma youth football players.

“We will be requiring all non-student children to be directly supervised by their parents,” Jaffe announced. “We had a large number of middle school and elementary students hanging out behind the home section.”

A football booster parent noted some of these children were rude when directed to leave the area.

In addition, Jaffe said security for all fans will be tightened. Only clear bags may be brought into the stadium and no backpacks, fanny packs, or any other item that carries objects will be permitted.

As for the student who brought the pellet gun, Jaffe said consequences range from suspension to recommendation for expulsion per the Education Code. If the gun is brandished and/or loaded it is considered “intent to use” and penalties for older students tried as adults can be elevated to a misdemeanor or felony.

The Pointers have two home games remaining. They host St. Augustine on Oct. 18 and Cathedral Catholic on Nov. 1.