A tragic incident occurred at Joppatowne High School in Joppa, Maryland, on Friday, where a 16-year-old student allegedly shot and killed a 15-year-old boy in the school’s bathroom, authorities reported.
The victim, identified as 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant, was pulled from the bathroom by fellow students. School nurses and the principal immediately provided medical assistance, according to Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler, who spoke at a news conference.
Grant was airlifted to a trauma center but, despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital, the sheriff confirmed in a follow-up briefing.
The 16-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been released, fled the school after the incident, seeking refuge in nearby houses. Thanks to quick action by community members, the suspect was apprehended “within minutes,” Gahler stated.
The shooting took place on the suspect’s first day at the school, though the academic year had started four days earlier, according to the sheriff. It is believed that only one shot was fired, though the weapon has not yet been recovered, Gahler added.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the altercation, which remains unclear.
The suspect was already known to law enforcement, with over ten incidents involving the teen being reported to the sheriff’s office since 2022, where he had been either a victim, witness, or suspect, Gahler revealed.
More than 100 police officers responded to the scene, which is about 35 miles northeast of Baltimore.
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Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Sean Bulson expressed the community’s grief, saying, “We’re heartbroken to be among the schools that have faced such a tragedy. We will work tirelessly with the community to ensure something like this never happens again.”
Officials noted that the school is not equipped with metal detectors.
