15-Year-Old Student Killed in Joppatowne High School Shooting; Suspect in Custody

JOPPATOWNE, Md. — A tragic shooting at Joppatowne High School has left a 15-year-old student dead, prompting shock and grief throughout the community. Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler identified the victim as Warren Curtis Grant, a resident of Edgewood. The incident unfolded around 12:36 PM when law enforcement responded to what was initially reported as an active shooter situation. It was later clarified that the incident involved a confrontation between two students.

The shooting occurred in a school bathroom, where a 16-year-old classmate, who was attending his first day at Joppatowne High School, fired a single gunshot at Grant. School nurses rushed to provide immediate medical assistance to the victim, and Grant was quickly transported to a hospital. Despite their efforts, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Sean Bulson expressed profound sorrow for Grant’s family and condemned the violence that shattered the school environment. “These tragedies should never happen in schools,” Bulson stated, reflecting the broader sentiment of shock and mourning shared by the community.

After the shooting, the suspect fled the school but was apprehended within minutes at a nearby apartment complex. Despite the swift arrest, authorities have not yet recovered the weapon used in the crime. The 16-year-old suspect will face charges as an adult, and the investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing.

Sheriff Gahler disclosed that the suspect was already known to law enforcement due to previous incidents, though he could not confirm whether the suspect had a juvenile criminal record. However, the sheriff noted that there had been multiple reports and investigations involving the suspect, highlighting a troubled history.

The senseless death of Warren Curtis Grant has left the Joppatowne High School community grieving and searching for answers. Vigils and memorials are being planned as students, parents, and staff come together to honor Grant’s memory and support one another during this difficult time. The incident has also reignited discussions about school safety and the urgent need for measures to prevent gun violence in educational settings.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the weapon to contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, the community remains united in its call for justice for Warren Curtis Grant and for steps to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.