School Shooting Leads to Agonizing Wait for Parents
A 14-year-old male student was shot during school hours yesterday on the campus of Price Middle School in Southeast Atlanta. The student was released later that evening from Grady Memorial Hospital in stable condition.
The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. The suspected shooter – a 15-year-old male – was disarmed and arrested by the school resource officer. Shortly after, Atlanta police completely locked down the school.
It initiated an agonizing wait for family members of the students.
For hours after the shooting, a group of about 100 parents and family members gathered behind police tape.
Many grew frustrated with the lack of information – of not knowing when students would be released.
Ebony Lucas of south Atlanta was waiting anxiously for her niece.
“They haven’t told us anything. We’re worried. Everybody out here is worried about their child. Whatever family member it is, they’re worried,” said Lucas.
And Marie Broughton of south Atlanta was there to pick up her granddaughter.
“I’ve been waiting here since about two something. I don’t know anything. I really don’t. They should come down and let people know what’s going on rather than just saying everybody’s all right. Everybody’s not all right.”
By about 4:30 p.m., the crowd began yelling directly at a line of police officers.
“We want answers and we want them now!”
One couple tried to slip under the police tape to get to the school and find their kid. They didn’t get far.
“I need my child. I’m tired of being patient. I’ve been more than patient. I’ve been more than patient. I need my child now.”
About 10 minutes later, police took to a loud speaker to tell them the kids would be bussed to a nearby church.
Authorities say they were following procedure. One police official said Atlanta Public Schools made the call to keep the kids well after school hours.
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