BALTIMORE – One student is hospitalized and another is in police custody after a shooting Friday inside Joppatowne High School.
According to Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, a 16-year-old student allegedly shot a 15-year-old during a fight in a men’s bathroom shortly after 12:30 p.m.
That victim was flown by medical helicopter to the hospital where he is in serious condition. The alleged teenager ran from the school, but was caught a short time later.
“Our hearts break for the victim and the victim’s family,” said Harford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Bullson. “This shouldn’t be happening in schools.”
“Sadly, we stand here today to discuss another school shooting,” Sheriff Gahler said during an afternoon news conference. “A tragic day four days into the school year.”
Massive police effort
The emergency response to Joppatowne High School was swift and massive. “Within 15 minutes, more than 100 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 police officer, along with the principal and school nurse, quickly responded to the scene of the shooting.
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 reunion center.
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Bulson said they have not decided when the school will reopen. Counseling will be made available to students.
Joppatowne is about 20 miles northeast of Baltimore. Just three days ago, students returned to school for the 2024-2025 school year.