Person in custody after three students shot outside Midlands high school, officials say
At least three students were shot Wednesday in a shooting outside Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, according to school officials.
The injured students are in stable condition and their injuries are believed to be non-life threatening, the school said on its website.
Further information on their conditions was not available.
“We join their families, teachers and our entire community in continued prayer for their full recovery,” Orangeburg County Superintendent Shawn Foster said in a statement on the school’s website.”
All other students were safe and accounted for following the traumatic experience, school officials said.
The shooting happened during afternoon dismissal, according to the school. Police arrived on campus shortly after to secure the scene and investigate. All students were secured inside before being moved to another building for pick-up.
A person was taken into custody Wednesday, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said in a brief statement to the media. Ravenell said the investigation is ongoing.
Information on that person’s identity, and any possible criminal charges, was not available. As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests were reported by the sheriff’s office.
There was no word on a motive for the shooting.
Messages left with the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office were not immediately returned.
“I want to thank the faculty and staff,” Ravenell said Wednesday. “Because of their quick actions, I believe that saved lives and prevented other students from being injured.”
The school gave parents alternative instructions for picking up their children.
“All students, including our student drivers will be transported to the Technology Center, 3721 Magnolia Street,” the school said. “Parents and guardians of students should be prepared to show appropriate identification as we reunify our students with their families.”
Classes began Monday at Orangeburg-Wilkinson. Following Wednesday’s shooting, classes were canceled for the rest of the week, school officials said. That includes all after school activities and athletic practices.
Foster said the school district prepares for these types of situations.
“Today our school community experienced the day that we’ve worked hand in hand with law enforcement to prepare for, but have always prayed would never actually happen,” Foster said. “We appreciate the quick action of school administration, teachers, and staff in moving all students to a safe location inside the school, while law enforcement secured the campus and first responders cared for the victims.”
Counseling will be made available for students, staff, and their families, Foster said. There will be in person and remote counseling options available.
“Our community’s continued patience and prayers are requested for all students, especially those who sustained injuries resulting from this afternoon’s tragedy,” school officials said.
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This story was originally published August 18, 2021 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Person in custody after three students shot outside Midlands high school, officials say."
