A 16-year-old student shot a 15-year-old classmate in a bathroom at Joppatowne High School on Friday afternoon, critically injuring the victim. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested at a nearby apartment complex. Authorities have not yet recovered the weapon. According to reports, Friday was the suspect's first day at the school.
Speaking to the media, Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler stated that officers responded to Joppatowne High School shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Friday following reports of an active shooter. The school was evacuated, but it was later confirmed to be an "isolated incident." The suspect fired a single shot, hitting the victim, who received immediate care from school nurses before being airlifted to a hospital in serious condition. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear at this time.
In an initial Facebook post, the Sheriff's Office requested parents to pick up their children early following the incident.
"Please be advised this is an isolated incident, not an active shooter. Avoid the area. The reunification center for parents to pick up their students is Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. The Harford County Sheriff's Office is currently working an incident at Joppatowne High School. Sheriff and PIO en route," Sheriff's office said in the post.
The following message was sent to Joppatowne High School families regarding the incident:
"This is an important message for our Joppatowne High School community.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has responded to the school for an isolated incident on campus today. There was a fight on campus to known parties. A weapon was brought onto campus and used in the incident. The HCSO and HCPS are working together to get this information to you.
Please continue to follow the HCSO Facebook page for updates on their investigation. I will continue to send email updates directly to our JOHS community. Please know this is unfolding quickly and we will provide additional information as soon as possible."