Crime
Active Shooter Situation Reported at Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro
WAYNESBORO, Va. — Authorities responded to an emergency situation at Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro on Wednesday morning, prompting a lockdown and the evacuation of students from the school.
The Waynesboro Police Department said it was managing an “emergency” situation at the elementary school as authorities worked to secure the area.
Early reports described the incident as an active shooter situation, although officials did not immediately provide details about whether shots were fired or whether anyone was injured.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office reported at approximately 10:23 a.m. that the situation at Westwood Elementary was “contained and secured at this time.”
Authorities emphasized that the children were safe and were being evacuated from the school.
Officials urged parents and members of the public not to respond directly to the school, explaining that emergency personnel and buses needed clear access to the area.
Waynesboro Public Schools began coordinating a reunification process to allow students to be safely reunited with their families.
The designated reunification location was Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1904 Mount Vernon Street, Waynesboro. Families were instructed to report to the lower fellowship hall and enter through the area marked with “entry” signs.
School officials asked families to wait for further instructions and notifications rather than going directly to Westwood Hills Elementary.
As authorities responded to the situation in Waynesboro, several schools in the surrounding area were also placed under lockdown as a precaution.
According to Augusta County Public Schools, schools in Stuarts Draft and the Wilson Complex were placed on lockdown after the Augusta County sheriff ordered the precautionary measure.
Officials said the lockdowns were implemented because of reports of the emergency in Waynesboro and were intended to protect students and staff while authorities assessed the situation.
The Waynesboro Police Department and Augusta County Sheriff’s Office continued managing the emergency response Wednesday morning.
Authorities have not immediately released additional details about what prompted the emergency at Westwood Hills Elementary, whether a weapon was involved, or whether any injuries were reported.
The situation was reported as contained and secured, while students were evacuated and reunification procedures were put in place. Officials continue to urge parents and the public to follow instructions from Waynesboro Public Schools and law enforcement.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.