ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell says a 14-year-old boy is responsible for a shooting at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School that wounded three students.
School and law enforcement officials in Orangeburg County gathered Thursday afternoon to provide an update one day after the incident.
The sheriff clarified that the shooting, which was initially reported to media as a drive-by shooting, was in fact an isolated shooting on the campus of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.
The shooting happened around 4 p.m. Wednesday and injured three male students. Officials did not provide any updates on their condition Thursday afternoon, but a day earlier, the district said the students were in stable condition.
Law enforcement responded to the campus within 10 minutes, according to Ravenell, and apprehended the suspect on campus within an hour to an hour and a half. Ravenell said the suspect was arrested and transported to the SC Department of Juvenile Justice Wednesday evening.
Citing the ongoing investigation, Ravenell did not share many details despite vigorous questioning. We did learn, however, that a weapon was recovered.
When asked if the school or law enforcement had any warning something might happen Wednesday on campus, Ravenell said, "I don't know that to be true." An SRO was on campus, Ravenell confirmed.
"This is a community problem. This is not Ravenell's problem," Sheriff Ravenell said. He went on to say, "This is a problem that we have, and we have to do something about it, more than just talk. I'm talking to the community."
"This is a community problem, and until we get that concept, and really take into consideration that we need to do something before things happen and then blame law enforcement or blame school officials, we're going to continue to have these problems," Ravenell said.
Ravenell said the suspect, who he would confirm is a student, is currently charged with three counts of battery with intent to cause bodily harm. However, Ravenell said he is in constant contact with First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe to determine if the suspect may be charged as an adult, which could increase the possible penalty to as much as 30 years.
Orangeburg County School District superintendent Shawn Foster credited school teachers and staff, along with training they had received, for helping to keep everything as controlled and calm as possible.
At the time of the shooting, Foster said there were 308 students and more than 100 teachers and staff on campus. Foster said 8 messages were sent to parents throughout the afternoon and evening to keep them updated and aware.
"We know that teachers can't teach and students can't learn when they're scared," Foster said. "Therefore, this type of activity will not be tolerated on any of our campuses here in Orangeburg."
Foster said the district is exploring with law enforcement measures that can be implemented to create the safest possible teaching and learning environment that we can.
"We'll move forward together ensuring that health and safety of our schools and a high quality education to our community's children remains our top priority," Foster said. "We hope that our students and teachers and our families will seek comfort in each other while also reaching out to the counseling services that we have made available," Foster said.
Less than 24 hours before Thursday's update, law enforcement and school personnel were carefully separating students from the scene where gunfire disrupted school dismissal at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. While three students were injured, the school system later sent out a note suggesting the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell confirmed one person was in custody who is believed to be involved with the incident. At that time, he didn't give additional information regarding the person or the charges that person might face.
The school is closed for the remainder of the week with in-person counseling available for teachers and staff.
Students and families can also receive in-person counseling at the Technology Center at 3721 Magnolia Way.
Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously in any of the following ways:
- Call 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
- Use the P3 Tips mobile app.
- LOG ON to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a Tip” tab.