Frederick Police Continue Investigation Into High School Shooting
FREDERICK, Md. (WJZ) -- The search for suspects continues after a gunman opens fire, shooting two students at Frederick High School.
Derek Valcourt has an update on the search for who's responsible.
It happened as a basketball game was playing out inside the school gymnasium. Then around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday night, shots were fired outside. Police have been searching the campus for clues.
Police cadets comb the grounds of Frederick High and neighboring west Frederick Middle School--both closed during the search for evidence in Wednesday night's terrifying shooting that left two Frederick County students hospitalized and parents frightened.
"You just think the worst. When you have your child there, there's really nothing else you can think. It was just making sure that she's OK," said Eric Spencer, parent.
Police say one juvenile male student suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. A second juvenile male student was shot in his back. Both were flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
After the shooting, the two victims ran into the gymnasium for help while the shooter or shooters ran off. It's not clear how many suspects police are looking for.
"We've various reports from people. 'Two people running from the scene, four people running from the scene,'" said Capt. Richard Hetherington. Frederick County Police Department.
Investigators are hoping to gain more insight from the victims and from Frederick County schools' network of more than 1,200 security cameras, hoping they may have captured some or all of the shooting.
This all happened at a junior varsity basketball game against Frederick High School's in-city rival, Governor Thomas Johnson High.
Investigators do not believe the shooting was a random incident and that the suspects and victims were known to each other.
"Our schools are safe. That's a message we are trying to make absolutely clear to our parents," said Michael Doerrer, Frederick County Schools spokesman.
School officials say there were two private security guards on duty for the 200 person event.
Both schools will likely reopen Friday, even as the investigation continues.
School officials say counselors will be available to any students and staff who need them.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident should call police at 301-600-2102 or 301-600-TIPS.