Soccer league season cancelled in response to gunfire

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1999 | 11:26 a.m.

The shots fired into the air during an argument last weekend prompted police to recommend the city pull the Northern Nevada Soccer League's field permit unless the league hires uniformed officers to patrol the games.

Fernando Corona, league president, said he had no money for the officers so he signed the letter revoking this year's permit and canceling this season's championship game, which involved the same two teams that played Sunday.

League officials, police and parks officials will meet to discuss the status of next year's permit, he said. The league involves thousands of people in Reno's Hispanic community.

"When I signed the letter I cried right there," Corona said. "I have 600 games with no incidents, and all of the sudden I have one and we don't know if we have a field for next year or not. I don't think it is fair."

Police said two spectators were arguing when one pulled out a gun and started firing into the air. Officers have identified two suspects and interviewed one, who said he fired in self defense. No arrests have been made. No one was injured.

Five years ago, Jessica Arenas, 12, died when a stray bullet from feuding gang members struck her in the head at Horseman's Park. Juan Castillo, then 16, was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison.

For three years following the fatal shooting, city officials required police patrol games, said Suzanna Stigar, recreation supervisor. For the past two years, police officers have stopped by games periodically. The league also provides two volunteer security officers for each team.

Last year, a referee was sent to the hospital following a fight. The league suspended the players involved.

The Northern Nevada Soccer League has 52 teams, which play about 600 games each year. Corona estimated the league involves about 5,000 people - mostly Hispanic - including coaches, players and spectators.

Jesse Gutierrez, director of Nevada Hispanic Services, said revocation of the league's permit would cause a big stir among Hispanic residents. His organization often attends soccer games when doing community outreach.

"I think that is going a little extreme to pull the plug on the permit," he said. "That is kind of getting a little dictatorial."