Crime
1 person injured after shooting in bathroom at Joppatowne High School, 16-year-old suspect arrested
Authorities have confirmed that only one shot was fired.
A shooting incident occurred at Joppatowne High School involving two students. A 16-year-old student allegedly shot a 15-year-old classmate during a fight in the men’s restroom. The victim is in serious condition.
The suspect fled the school after the incident and was seen banging on neighbors’ doors, prompting multiple 911 calls. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office commended the community for their swift response in helping to apprehend the suspect.
According to the sheriff, the suspect was a new student at Joppatowne High School, having only started classes recently. While the sheriff couldn’t confirm whether the suspect had a juvenile criminal record, he stated that the individual was not unfamiliar to law enforcement.
There had been previous “calls for service” related to the suspect, but the sheriff declined to provide further details.
The sheriff expressed frustration with the Maryland Child Interrogation Protection Act, criticizing the law’s restrictions on questioning juvenile suspects. He described the current situation as “lunacy,” emphasizing the need for law enforcement to be able to interview suspects promptly.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A Harford County Public Schools representative confirmed that an isolated incident occurred at Joppatowne High School on Friday.
According to first responders, one student sustained injuries, but the incident was not an active shooter situation.
Authorities have apprehended a person off campus, though the reasons for their arrest remain unclear.
The school is cooperating closely with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office as they investigate the incident.
Harford County Sheriff’s Office Statement Regarding Joppatowne High School Incident
“Joppatowne High School families, please be informed that the Harford County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the school today to address an isolated incident on campus. There was a physical altercation between known individuals, during which a weapon was brought onto the school grounds and used. We are currently investigating the matter.”
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is advising the public that there is no active shooter situation at Joppatowne High School. The incident is isolated and contained. Please avoid the area.
A reunification center has been established at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church for parents to pick up their children.
Media staging for the Joppatowne High School incident will be at the Redner’s Market on Joppa Farm Road.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.