A 13-year-old student was injured in a shooting near Taft High School in the West End area of Cincinnati yesterday, resulting in a lockdown of the educational facility, which was subsequently lifted, as reported by Cincinnati.com. The victim, who has been confirmed to be a student at the high school by the Cincinnati Police Department, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm and was quickly transported to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for treatment, based on statements from the police.
The shooting on the 1400 block of John Street occurred just before 4 p.m. and rapidly induced a high-security response by the city's law enforcement. For the safety of the students and staff, Taft High School went into an immediate lockdown, which lifted before 5 p.m. Still, the incident's circumstances remain under investigation, with no suspect information made available yet. However, investigators are working diligently to identify the individual or individuals responsible, Lieutenant Jonathan Cunningham said "Too oftentimes a small disagreement turns into a gun battle or a gunfight or someone being shot," implicating the prevalence of such violent disputes in the area according to an interview with Cincinnati.com.
In response to the violent occurrence and ensuing distress, Cincinnati Public Schools announced that there will be additional security measures and counselors available at Taft High School on Friday to support the students and staff as they grapple with the aftermath and to prevent further incidents, "As a precaution, there will be additional security and counselors at Taft High School tomorrow to provide continued support for students and staff," according to a statement obtained by WCPO.
Additionally, Cincinnati Public Schools decided to cancel yesterday night's Batavia vs. Shroder varsity football game scheduled at Stargel Stadium in light of police activity and out of concern for student-athletes and fans from both schools, "Due to police activity in the area and concern for the well being of the student athletes and fans from both schools, tonight’s game is postponed," Batavia Athletics conveyed, with efforts already in motion to reschedule the game, a statement from WLWT elaborated.
