Following the shooting at Joppatowne High School that killed a 15-year-old student Friday, five Harford County Public Schools will be closed for part of this week.
Joppatowne High will be closed Monday to Wednesday, with the school district saying Saturday, “It is our intention to have students return on Thursday…”
The nearby Magnolia Elementary, Magnolia Middle, Joppatowne Elementary and Riverside Elementary schools will be closed Monday.
Parents were informed of the closures Saturday evening with Harford County Public Schools writing that “the tragic events of Friday have taken an emotional toll on this community and there is a need for time and space to heal.”
Before- and after-school care and activities are canceled at each of the schools but will resume when students return. If a student needs to collect personal belongings before returning to school Thursday, a school safety liaison will be available to escort them at noon Monday.
HCPS stated on its website that more information will be available regarding meal distribution and counseling services for students who wish to speak to school counselors, school psychologists, social workers or other supporting central office staff.
The shooting occurred during a fight between two students in a first-floor bathroom. The 16-year-old suspect allegedly drew a handgun and shot 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant in the chest. Grant was airlifted to an area hospital, where he later died.
Police said the suspect fled school grounds but was later reported to the police for allegedly attempting to break into a house. Responding officers apprehended the suspect.
The suspect is being charged as an adult with murder, first- and second-degree assault, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/crime of violence. He is currently being held in the Harford County Detention Center, awaiting an initial appearance before a judicial officer.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office said it believes the suspect and victim knew each other and that there isn’t an outstanding suspect or threat to the community.
On Sunday morning, the campus was quiet, but a handful of people stopped by to pay respects. Some people left flowers or other tributes. A police car was stationed at the school and moved to different locations around the area about every 20 minutes.
Baltimore Sun photographer Lloyd Fox contributed to this article.
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