1 student shot at Magruder High School; another student in custody, police say
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - UPDATE: Montgomery County Police say a 17-year-old student faces several charges for the shooting at Magruder High School Friday.
The incident occurred within a school bathroom around 12:30 p.m., police said at a press conference.
Once high school security became aware of the situation, they found a student had been shot and 911 was called at approximately 12:57 p.m.
The school went into a full lockdown moments later and the building was secured by MCPD.
During a search inside the school, officers found the suspect, Steven Alston Jr., in a classroom. He was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. and a privately manufactured gun, also known as a ghost gun, was found in the building.
While investigating the shooting, detectives determined the incident involved Alston Jr. and a 10th grade student, but add there is no evidence that Alston Jr. was targeting anyone else at the school.
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Alston Jr. faces several charges including Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, 1st Degree Assault, and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on School Property.
He is being charged as an adult, and will be held without bond.
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Montgomery County Police say the victim was taken to an area hospital and is now listed in critical condition.
School officials at Magruder High School issued the following statement via Twitter after that shooting Friday afternoon.
"We are overwhelmed by the support we are receiving from our community and beyond. We want to thank our leadership, security, staff and students for their efforts and cooperation today #RebuildingStrongerTogether #ColonelStrong
The school also says it is offering zoom sessions to help students and families who need support as they process what happened.
Montgomery County has sent out a letter to parents about the incident which reads in part:
"Montgomery County Police are conducting an investigation into the serious incident that occurred at our school today. Police have confirmed that a student has suffered an injury resulting from a gunshot on our campus. The student was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Our thoughts are with the student, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The police have taken a suspect into custody. The police have also assessed that the school is now safe, and we are preparing to dismiss students."
To read the full letter, click here.
This is a developing story. Check back with FOX 5 for updates.