Arkansas school shooting: Student reportedly shot on first day of in-person learning
A student was shot and killed at an Arkansas middle school early Monday on the first day that full-time classes resumed after months of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
The incident at the Watson Chapel Junior High School in Pine Bluff forced the district into a new emergency lockdown, with one student dead and a second youngster in police custody, KARK-TV reported.
The victim was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital by helicopter in “very serious condition,”, according to KATV-TV.
Police later said the teen had died from his wounds.
Pine Bluff Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant called the incident an “isolated and targeted” attack involving two students enrolled at the school.
Speaking at an afternoon briefing, Sergeant said police arrived at the school around 10 a.m. and found the wounded student in a hallway near the school office.
The alleged shooter, also 15, was found by police K-9 officers hiding behind a house nearby, the chief said.
“We don’t have a definite motive right now as to why the incident occurred,” Sergeant said. “However, we do believe this was a targeted incident as opposed to a random incident.”
No additional details were available about the youngster in custody, but the chief said charges are pending.
“There has been a shooting at the Watson Chapel Junior High,” the school district said on Facebook. “ALL campuses are on lock down. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and Pine Bluff Police Department are on site to control the situation.”
“This was an isolated incident and all students are safe at this time,” the district said. “The parent of the student hurt has been notified so if you have not been notified by the school your student is safe and secure.”
“The police are not letting anyone in and out of the buildings,” the post said. “You will not be allowed to come get your student at this time.”
According to KATV, the lockdown had been lifted by noon.
No further details were immediately available.
via: https://nypost.com/2021/03/01/arkansas-school-shooting-at-least-one-student-reportedly-shot/
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