Spectators were screaming and running out of the Valley Central High School auditorium Tuesday night as several fights broke out after a varsity game against Newburgh.
The incident was captured on cellphone video and shared to SnapChat.
Town of Montgomery police say several frightened spectators called 911 claiming someone had a gun and shots were fired, resulting in a multiagency response.
“It just turned into chaos for five to 10 minutes. Athletes got thrown into it, and punches were being thrown,” said Scott Rausenberger.
Rausenberger, from Newburgh, was one of hundreds of people at the game.
He says spectators started fighting when the teams lined up to shake hands after Valley Central won, and that players ended up getting involved. too.
“It became apparent pretty quick that there was a concern.”
People there say the incident should be a reminder for schools to beef up security.
“There was no screening. No screening at all,” said Rausenberger.
Valley Central School District Superintendent Evette Avila sent a statement to News 12 saying a person attending the event did yell "gun," but that person later retracted the statement.
Authorities say they found no evidence of a firearm or shots fired but did take one person into custody.
A knife was recovered from the scene but was not a part of the altercation.
Avila said, "Any Valley Central students directly involved in the incident will be addressed according to the district's Code of Conduct."
District leaders, along with the director of safety, gathered to discuss the incident, review and enhance safety measures.
Avila thanked officers from all departments involved for their swift response.