Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew addresses the media during an update of a shooting at Heritage High School in Newport News, Va., Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)
A suspect is in custody following a school shooting at a Virginia high school that left two students wounded. The incident happened Monday at Heritage High School in Newport News, which is located east of Richmond.
In a press conference Monday, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said the victims, both 17, were a female and male student who suffered the gun shot wounds. Both students are expected to survive.
However, Chief Drew added that one other student suffered an injury that may have occurred as the school was being evacuated. Additionally, another experienced breathing issues due to asthma.
Meanwhile, Drew said the male juvenile suspect is now in custody. He said they believe the victims were known to the suspect. The chief noted, although the scene was chaotic, safety remained the priority of law enforcement.
“It was to try to get things under control as quickly as we could, locate our shooter and protect our students,” he stated. “The school has been completely evacuated.”
Update 3: Shooting — Heritage High School –https://t.co/tr5VQlriRX
— Newport News Police Department (@NewportNewsPD) September 20, 2021
According to Virginia public school officials, Heritage High School will go with virtual learning for a few days and will work to make sure students can return safely.
Source: One America News Network
