A juvenile male was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot in the leg near Taylorsville High School on Friday. The incident, which followed a fight, prompted a temporary secure protocol at six nearby schools as police searched for the suspect, who remains at large.
The Taylorsville Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of 5600 South and Redwood Road. Upon arrival, they located the victim and began an investigation into the altercation that preceded the shooting. Authorities have confirmed the suspect is also a juvenile.
Key Takeaways
- A juvenile male was shot in the leg following a fight near Taylorsville High School.
- The victim's injuries are reported as non-life-threatening.
- The suspect, also a juvenile, fled the scene with a handgun and has not been located.
- Six Granite School District schools were placed on a brief secure protocol as a precaution.
- Police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public or the schools.
Police Response and Investigation Underway
A heavy police presence was established in the area, approximately one block south of the Taylorsville High School campus, as officers secured the scene and began interviewing witnesses. The Taylorsville Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation to piece together the events that led to the shooting.
According to law enforcement officials, the altercation involved two juveniles and escalated when one produced a handgun and shot the other. The suspect immediately fled the area after the incident. A description of the suspect has not yet been released to the public as the investigation is in its early stages.
Detectives are actively working to identify and locate the individual responsible. It has not been confirmed whether the victim and suspect are students at Taylorsville High School or any other school in the district.
Understanding 'Secure Protocol'
A 'Secure Protocol,' often referred to as a lockout, is a safety measure used by schools when a potential threat is identified in the surrounding community, but not on school grounds. During this protocol, all exterior doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or exit the building. However, normal activities and classes continue inside the school, ensuring student safety while minimizing disruption.
Six Schools Placed on Temporary Secure Protocol
As a precautionary measure, law enforcement directed the Granite School District to initiate a secure protocol for six nearby schools. The measure was intended to ensure the safety of all students and staff while police conducted their initial search and investigation in the vicinity.
The schools affected by the protocol were:
- Taylorsville High School
- Eisenhower Jr. High
- Plymouth Elementary
- Fremont Elementary
- Vista Elementary
- Hartvigsen School
The Granite School District quickly communicated the situation to parents, emphasizing that the action was taken out of an abundance of caution. In a statement, the district clarified, “To be clear, there is no direct threat to our students or schools. Schools are proceeding as usual inside the buildings and students are safe.”
The secure protocol was lifted a short time later after police determined there was no immediate danger to the campuses. During the brief lockdown, parents were asked to avoid coming to the schools, as they would not have been granted access to the buildings.
Community Impact
The incident occurred in a busy area near a major intersection and a high school, causing significant disruption and concern among residents and parents. The swift response from law enforcement and the school district was crucial in managing the situation and disseminating accurate information to the public.
Victim's Condition and Public Safety
The juvenile victim was quickly attended to by emergency medical personnel and transported to a local hospital. Officials confirmed he was shot in the leg and that his injuries were not considered life-threatening. He is currently receiving medical care.
Despite the suspect remaining at large, the Taylorsville Police Department has assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The incident appears to be isolated, stemming from a specific conflict between the two individuals involved.
"We want to reassure the community that this was not a random act of violence. The investigation suggests this was the result of a targeted altercation between two individuals." - Taylorsville Police Department spokesperson.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the fight or the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward. Witness cooperation is considered critical as detectives work to resolve the case and apprehend the person responsible for the shooting.