GAINS, Michigan – The Kent County Sheriff says shots were fired Thursday night at a graduation ceremony at East Kentwood High School.
FOX 17 also spoke to a teacher who was there at the time, who confirmed that they had been shot.
According to Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoy-Young, two white sedans were involved in an exchange of weapons with each other. Since then, police have been investigating those who were in several cars.
Sheriff Lajoy-Young says two people were shot during the exchange.
She says one is a 40-year-old woman from Grand Rapids who was shot in the abdomen and wrist. The other is a 16-year-old Texas boy who was shot in the wrist. “My suspicions are that they are just complete bystanders who came here during this arms exchange,” La Joy-Young said.
Sheriff Lajoy-Young says both victims were taken to hospital and at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, both are in stable condition.
“I am certainly concerned about the increase in violence and I will return to the communities to keep the communities safe. We need to work together to resolve these cases. We need to know that it depends on everyone in this community to protect each other, “said Sheriff LaJoy-Young.
Fracture Here’s a look at East Kentwood High School, where police are investigating a shooting that injured one person.
The crime lane blocked much of the parking lot next to the stadium, but police kicked us and other media off campus in minutes. @ FOX17 pic.twitter.com/GGHxl8pWyK
– Marisa Oberle (@marisa_oberleTV) May 20, 2022
By Thursday night, most of the high school parking lot near the stadium was glued.
Kentwood Governor Kevin Paulston has issued a statement saying the shooting came after the Crossroads Alternative High School graduation ceremony.
Public schools in Kentwood
Sheriff LaJoy-Young added: “A celebration like this is something that brings the family together, makes us feel closer as a community with pride than our young people and what they achieve.
“It’s very difficult to happen in this community at this time of celebration.”
The sheriff says her office knows of at least two gunmen, and at 10pm on Thursday, the suspects are still at large.
“I want the community to be vigilant about these potential suspects tonight. We have no reason to believe that they are returning to the area or that they have a specific purpose back in that area.
“Now this scene is protected, but, of course, until we bring this case to a solution, I can’t be sure what their intention is,” said Sheriff LaJoy-Young.
If you have any information about the shooting on Thursday night, contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
You can also send tips anonymously to Silent Observer, online or by phone, along with tips for sending text messages to OK2SAY.
Follow FOX 17: Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube
Add Comment