A day after children at a DeKalb County’s Wynbrooke Traditional Theme School were shot with a pellet gun as they played after lunch, police have identified a suspect.
DeKalb County School District officials said today they identified a suspect, obtained a search warrant, searched the suspect’s residence and retrieved the gun they believe was involved in the shooting.
The name of the suspect wasn’t released.
“The response time of our dedicated law enforcement professionals -- both on the scene and pursing all leads -- is a testament to the fine individuals working in and around our schools,” said DeKalb Superintendent R. Stephen Green.
Parents who dropped off their children this morning noticed an increased police presence after the Thursday incident.
Nine students from the Stone Mountain school had been taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and one was picked up by parents, according to hospital spokeswoman Ayana Isles. She said all were in good condition and none had to stay in the hospital overnight.
Today’s forecast with sunny skies after the overnight rain would normally mean students would take to the playground. Neither school officials nor school police would confirm if students will be allowed on the playground today.
Last night a parent posted on social media that his son was one of the children hit.
“He is doing good, released from hospital,” he wrote.
The parent was concerned that once the fear subsides, the issue will be forgotten and the kids will be at risk.
A local activism group, Stephenson Community Angels, has set up a “solidarity gathering” for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at the school, 440 Wicksbury Way, Stone Mountain, to discuss ways to keep kids safe.
“When we organized (this group) we knew we were answering a call bigger than us,” wrote Portia Gray, one of the founders.
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