Paint Branch High School student hospitalized after being grazed in face in shooting

BURTONSVILLE, Md. - A Paint Branch High School student was grazed by a bullet in a shooting near the school in Burtonsville, police say.

Montgomery County police say the 17-year-old victim told investigators he left the high school on Monday morning to buy an item at a convenience store located nearby. As he was walking back to school, the student heard a gunshot and realized that he had suffered a graze wound to his cheek and ear.

Police were contacted at around 8:50 a.m. after the 11th grade student walked into the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Station to report that he had been shot, officials say. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, investigators believe this was not a random incident and there may be some prior association between the victim and the shooter.

Paint Branch High School principal Dr. Myriam Yarbrough wrote in a letter to parents and students:

Dear Paint Branch HS Community,

I am writing to share information about an incident involving a Paint Branch High School student that occurred off school property this morning. An 11th grade male student was shot in the cheek by an unknown suspect. He has been transported to the hospital for medical treatment. We have been informed by the police that he is alert and coherent. The police are investigating this incident and have indicated that there is no imminent danger to our school community.

We will have an increased security presence in our community during lunch to support students. We will not have open lunch today in light of this incident as a safety precaution. We will share more information as it becomes available. If your student has any information regarding this incident, they are urged to contact the Montgomery County Police Department at 240-773-6800.

Anonymous tips about the shooting can be given to Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).