Crime
Student shot at Joppatowne High School, 1 person in custody
Authorities have apprehended a person off campus, though the reasons for their arrest remain unclear.
UPDATE: 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.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
First responders were dispatched to Joppatowne High School on Friday afternoon following an incident.
The school was evacuated at approximately 12:45 PM. While the Harford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed there was no active threat, they did not immediately disclose the nature of the investigation.
A spokesperson for Harford County Public Schools stated that the incident was isolated and school administrators are collaborating closely with local authorities.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least one person has been shot.
The scene witnessed a significant presence of law enforcement, including sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and paramedics.
Several ambulances were observed departing from the school, and a Maryland State Police helicopter landed on the school’s athletic field.
Authorities were seen apprehending an individual off campus. Further details regarding the incident are pending investigation.
Police ask public to please stay out of the area.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.