Tension is rising after two suspects opened fire at the STEM School Highland Ranch in Douglas County of Colorado State. The local Sherriff, Tony Spurlock, confirmed one fatal case with seven others injures in the attack. The incident happened on Tuesday around 2 pm and the police have confirmed the arresting of two suspects in connection to this brutal attack, who are believed to be students of the same institution.
According to the Sherriff, the two suspects gain access to the school in separate locations and opened fire. The school authority acted swiftly and notified the police who responded in time. The two, a teenager and an adult (both male) were apprehended, remanded and a handgun recovered. The whereabouts of the second weapon is still under investigation, which the Sherriff promised to look into.
This heinous act occurred in the middle-level school, and at the time of arrival at the school by the police, shots were still heard. Of the 7 people injured, three have been released after check-up and treatment, while the other 4 are critical, undergoing surgery at the local hospital.
The authorities managed to secure a vehicle suspected to be used by the assailants, and have commenced investigations. This will include the suspects’ homes and past records to ascertain the motive of the attack. It will be a collaborative effort between the FBI, local police investigative departments and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bureau; all of which responded to the distress call.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics School at the Highland Ranch has a total of 1,850 students. The middle school, where the shooting occurred has the highest enrolment of about 700 students, while the elementary and the high school have 550 and 600 students respectively.
A witness, who lives near the school witnessed students running away from the school, shouting for help. One student was shot from the back as he ran for safety. The school teacher was administering first aid to keep the boy awake, said the witness. They helped the teacher to get the injured boy into his kitchen, facilitated all the precautionary first aid procedures, up until the ambulance came and took the boy to the nearby hospital.
Luckily, other students were safely evacuated and their parents came in time to take them home, thanks to the school automated voice message system. The school will remain on lockdown until investigations are completed.
Related Incidences
This is not a first time such an incident is happening in the locality. In April 1999, there was a mass shooting in Columbine High School, 8 miles away from Highland Ranch STEM School where two gunmen opened fire and killed 13 people; 12 students and a teacher. Recently, such incidences have occurred in 3 separate incidences across America, killing 2 and injuring 6; all this in 2019 only.
Shirley Mist has been involved in fashion and design for many years. She has also written extensively for many online publications. She currently writes for The Tribune World and is a valued member of our team.