Joppatowne, MD – A tragic incident unfolded at Joppatowne High School on Friday, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old student. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 16-year-old student was arrested following the shooting.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. inside a school bathroom. According to Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, a fight broke out between the two students, leading to the 16-year-old allegedly pulling out a gun and shooting the 15-year-old. The victim was quickly flown to a nearby hospital but sadly passed away due to his injuries.
The suspect fled the scene but was captured shortly after by the police. The school was placed on lockdown, and students were evacuated to a nearby church for reunification with their families.
Harford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Our hearts are breaking for the victim and the victim’s family. This should not be happening in schools”.
The community is in shock and mourning the loss of the young student. Counseling services are being provided to students and staff as they cope with this tragic event.
This incident comes just days after another school shooting in Georgia, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools.