Joppatowne High School shooting: suspect had 10 police contacts
- A 15-year-old student was shot and killed at Joppatowne High School, causing panic among students and staff.
- The 16-year-old suspect, who has had ten prior police contacts, was arrested shortly after the incident.
- Counselors will be available for students, and a decision about reopening the school will be made over the weekend.
On a tragic day in Baltimore, a 15-year-old student named Warren Curtis Grant was shot and killed at Joppatowne High School. The incident occurred in a first-floor bathroom, prompting immediate panic among students and staff. Principal Melissa Williams expressed her condolences to the victim's family and the school community, highlighting the emotional toll of such violence. Witnesses described the chaos, with students fleeing to safety after hearing a loud bang. The 16-year-old suspect, who fled the scene, was apprehended shortly after the shooting. Authorities are currently investigating how the suspect obtained the firearm used in the incident. Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler noted that the suspect had a troubling history, with ten prior contacts with police over the last two years. He criticized existing state laws that limit law enforcement's ability to interview minors, especially in serious cases like this. In the aftermath, school counselors are being made available to support students, who regularly practice drills for such emergencies. The community, previously untouched by such violence, is grappling with the reality of a school shooting. Harford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson expressed deep sorrow for the victim and emphasized that such events should not occur in educational settings. As the community mourns, a decision regarding the reopening of the school will be made over the weekend, reflecting the ongoing concern for student safety and the emotional well-being of those affected by this tragic event.