WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The Houston County sheriff said a student was taken to a hospital after a shooting at a high school Wednesday.
Sheriff Matt Moulton said a suspect is now in custody in the shooting at Warner Robins High School, and the school is secure.
At 2:15 p.m., two students got into an argument inside a school restroom which escalated into a fight, according to the sheriff’s office.
One of the students pulled a gun and shot the other. A sheriff’s deputy assigned to the school found the injured student an rendered aid.
“The student was transported to a local area hospital and is receiving treatment at this time. The suspect was apprehended at approximately 3:19 p.m. in a nearby neighborhood. The investigation is still active and more information may be available later,” the sheriff said.
Initial reports from officials indicated there had been two victims, but only one student was hurt by gunfire, the sheriff said.
Dr. Brett Wallace, the school principal, said in a letter to parents and staff that the school would be closed for students the rest of the week.
“Today was a hard day for our school and the entire community. We are grateful that the student who was injured is receiving care, and we are incredibly thankful for the quick response of law enforcement and first responders,” Wallace said.
He said they wanted students to have the chance to be home with families and take the time they need to process and heal.
Teachers will return Friday. Student services will have additional counselors and support staff onsite Friday and Monday for any student or staff member who needs to talk to someone.
“I was scared, because what if that was my child?” parent Kimani Dudley said.
A Georgia State Patrol helicopter landed at the school campus.
The school district said students were released in a controlled dismissal while law enforcement remained at the scene.
Nearby Sacred Heart Catholic Church announced it went into lockdown.
Gov. Brian Kemp said he was grateful for the law enforcement and other personnel who immediately responded to the situation.
“Their action quickly brought the situation under control and kept students, faculty and staff safe. As we wait for more details to emerge, we’re thankful for all those who keep our classrooms safe,” Kemp said in his statement.
Sen. Raphael Warnock said he was closely following reports after the shooting.
“My prayers are with the two students who were injured, their families, and the entire Warner Robins community. I’m grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders on the scene,” he said in a statement.
The high school has an enrollment of around 1,800 students.
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