UPDATE: Police Investigate Shooting at Freedom High School Football Game

Teen arrested in North Carolina

Posted

UPDATED with info from Sept. 4:

Aggravated Malicious Wounding ARREST – During the investigation into the shooting that was reported to have occurred at Freedom High School located at 15201 Neabsco Mills Rd in Woodbridge (22191) on August 27, detectives with Violent Crimes Bureau have identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male juvenile.

"The investigation revealed that two groups of individuals were involved in a fight that occurred in the parking lot of the school," said police spokesman, 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok. "During the altercation, one group, which included the suspect, demanded, and then took money from those in the other group."

At one point, the suspect brandished a firearm and shot into a nearby crowd, striking one victim in lower body and grazing another in the foot. Neither victim was involved in the original altercation.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained juvenile petitions against the suspect who was subsequently located and arrested on September 3 by members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in North Carolina where he will remain in-custody until extradited to Virginia.

Arrested on September 3: [Juvenile] a 17-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge

Charged with 1 count of aggravated malicious wounding, 1 count of attempted aggravated malicious wounding, 2 counts of the use of a firearm in commission of a felony, 1 count of robbery, 1 count of discharging a firearm in a public place, and 1 count ofassault by mob

Court Date: Pending | Status: Awaiting Extradition

UPDATE: Aug. 28 at 12:10 p.m. 

Prince William Police are investigating a school shooting that occured at a Freedom High School football game, Friday evening in Woodbridge. 

According to a notice from Colgan Principal Tim Healey, the two victims who were shot were Colgan students. Both sustained "non-life-threatening injuries," Healey said. 

According to a previous report, two victims were located, "a 15-year-old male juvenile who was reportedly shot in the lower body, and a 14-year-old female juvenile who was grazed in the foot," said 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok. 

Both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

"The scene was quickly contained as officers were already present at the school for security, and a methodical search was conducted," Perok said.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. 

The Police Department is offering up to a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.

Colgan's football team was not playing Freedom in last night game. 

POLICE REPORT-morning of Aug. 28

Detectives with the Violent Crimes Bureau continue to solicit information from anyone in attendance at the football game at Freedom High School located at 15201 Neabsco Mills Road in Woodbridge on the evening of August 27. 

"After the game ended early due to weather, a shooting occurred in the parking lot where two juvenile victims were injured. Officers utilized their Department-issued trauma kits to treat a male victim at the scene," said 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok. "The male victim sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his lower body.

Rescue personnel arrived quickly and transported the male victim to an area hospital where he is expected to recover from his injury.

The second victim, a female juvenile, sustained superficial injuries to her foot after being possibly grazed by a round.

The shooter has not been identified at this time and no motive has been determined. Shell casings were recovered from the scene.

The Police Department would like to thank the Virginia State Police for their response and assistance to this incident.

The Police Department is offering up to a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or by submitting a tip online to pwcva.gov/policetip.

Shooting Investigation [Previously Released] –

On August 27 at 9:08 p.m., officers responded to Freedom High School located at 15201 Neabsco Mills Road in Woodbridge to investigate a shooting.

The investigation revealed that shots were fired in the parking lot at the school following a football game ending due to rain.  

Two victims were located, a 15-year-old male juvenile who was reportedly shot in the lower body, and a 14-year-old female juvenile who was grazed in the foot. Both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The scene was quickly contained as officers were already present at the school for security, and a methodical search was conducted. A meeting point was established at Northern Virginia Community College-Woodbridge Campus for family reunification. At this time, the area has been cleared of attendees and is stable.

There is no active incident. No shooter has been identified or located at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact police at 703-792-6500. The investigation continues.

Aftermath- Schools handling of incident

More from Colgan Principal's message, Aug. 28

Dr. Healey said he would have counselors on hand at Colgan High School this week. Further his school would review its own protocols during extra curricular events. 

"All Prince William County Public Schools work closely with the Prince William County Police leaders, as well as PWCS Risk Management, to review safety protocols for schools, including extracurricular activities. Even though this event did not occur at our school, we will use it as an opportunity to review our own procedures."

Aug. 28 at 12:45 p.m.

The following message was posted on Freedom High School's website, althletic page.

Effective immediately per Freedom High School Administration:

"All students 13 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to enter a Freedom HS event."

"No backpacks or bags of any kind will be allowed at Freedom HS athletic events." 

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