Suspect wanted, 4 detainees released after gunshots reported near Bethesda-area high school
Lockdowns lifted at Bethesda schools after gunshots near campus
Montgomery County Police are investigating reports of shots fired near Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland, which prompted lockdowns for several area schools Wednesday. Four people have been detained
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - Four people were taken into custody, and more than half a dozen schools in Montgomery County were placed in "secure" status Wednesday afternoon after reports of shots fired near the campus of a Bethesda high school.
Shots fired reports near Bethesda campus
What we know:
The Montgomery County Police Department said that officers responded to reports of shots fired just after noon Wednesday in the 6600 block of Rockledge Drive.
That area is near Walter Johnson High School, as well as a children's center. Police confirmed that while evidence of the shooting was found in the area, it did not occur on school property.
Montgomery County Public Schools told FOX 5 DC that seven schools in total were placed in "secure" status, which "is used when there is a potential threat outside the school building." Everyone is brought inside and doors are locked, but "normal school activities continue indoors," the district said.
In addition to Walter Johnson High School, North Bethesda Middle School, Asburton Elementary School, Wyngate Elementary School, Tilden Middle School, Luxmanor Elementary School and Rock Terrace School were also secured. The secure status was later lifted.
Around 1:30 p.m. MCPD officials confirmed to FOX 5 DC that four people had been detained.
In an update posted to X at 1:55 p.m., police said the scene had been secured and Montgomery County Public Schools had lifted the secure status. The post also said that no injuries had been reported.
Investigation in Bethesda
In an update shared on Thursday, police said the report of shots fired came in at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday. The preliminary investigation found that an unknown suspect fired multiple shots toward a group of four people and left the scene.
A search of the area resulted in the recovery of shell casings, according to police. No injuries were reported.
In Thursday's update, police identified the four people taken into custody as three juvenile males and one adult male who matched the descriptions witnesses provided.
After reviewing surveillance video and speaking with the four detainees, detectives determined that they were victims of the shooting and released them without charges.
What we don't know:
As of Thursday's statement, police said that the suspect in the shooting had not been identified. It is still not known what the motivation for the shooting may have been or if it was targeted.
The Source: Information in this story is from the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County Public Schools.