1 student dead, another arrested after shooting inside Joppatowne High School in Maryland
BALTIMORE -- One student is dead and another is in police custody after a shooting Friday inside Joppatowne High School, just outside of Baltimore.
According to Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, a 16-year-old student allegedly shot a 15-year-old during a fight inside a men's bathroom just after 12:30 p.m.
That victim was flown by medical helicopter to the hospital in serious condition, where he later died. The alleged teenage gunman ran from the school, but was captured a short time later.
"Our hearts are breaking for the victim and the victim's family," said Harford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson. "This should not be happening in schools."
"Sadly we stand here today to discuss another school shooting," Sheriff Gahler said during an afternoon press briefing. "A tragic day four days into the school year."
Massive police response
The emergency response to Joppatowne High School was swift and massive. "Within 15 minutes more than 100 police officers were here from all of our partner agencies," Gahler said.
A school resource officer was inside the school at the time, but did not hear the gunshot, according to Gahler. That officer, along with the principal and school nurse quickly responded to the shooting scene.
The school was evacuated after the incident. Parents were instructed to pick up their students at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, which was turned into a reunification center.
Bulson said they have not determined when school will reopen. Counseling will be made available for students.
Joppatowne is located about 20 miles northeast of Baltimore. Just three days ago, students returned to the school for the 2024-2025 school year.
2 days after Georgia school shooting
The shooting comes just two days after two students and two teachers were killed inside Apalachee High School in Georgia, a fact emphasized by the sheriff in Joppatowne Friday.
"We're all familiar with the horrible shooting that took four lives in Georgia just a couple days ago, and here we stand in Harford County with a school shooting," Sheriff Gahler said.
A 14-year-old student is being charged as an adult in the Georgia shooting. His father also faces charges in the case.