GRPS looking into how students left Alger Middle School before shooting
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The day after a student was shot and injured near Alger Middle School, Grand Rapids Public Schools says it is working to find out why he and another student were not in the building in the middle of the day.
The 13-year-old who was shot in the cheek, identified by his mother as Javeon Childrey, was listed in stable condition Wednesday. He is expected to recover.
Shooting near Alger Middle School was an accident, mom says
The shooting, which the Grand Rapids Police Department described in a statement as “accidental,” happened around noon Tuesday in a bathroom at the Alger Park splash pad on the same block as the school. Police previously said that two students, both boys, were involved. After the shot was fired, both ran to the front doors of the school, where school staff started first aid and emergency responders soon arrived.
The two students did report to class Tuesday morning before the shooting, a district spokesman said. It’s unclear when they left the building or how they made it to the park bathroom.
Police have not said which student was holding the gun when it was fired, and in a Wednesday afternoon statement to News 8, said they could not release information about how the students got it.
GRPD said the investigation was ongoing and that even though “investigators have identified everyone involved, this investigation will likely be longer than typical based on the unique circumstances.”
“As with any investigation involving an injury, especially with a firearm, the case will be reviewed by the Prosecutor’s Office to see what, if any, charges will be brought,” the statement said.
Student shot, injured in park near Alger Middle School
It’s also unclear whether the gun was ever inside the school building. The district spokesperson said GRPS uses metal detectors at schools on a random, unannounced basis. They were not set up at Alger Middle on Tuesday, but they will be there Thursday and remain there for the rest of the school year.
Students arriving by bus will enter through Door F and those dropped off will enter through Door A on Thursday, the district said.
There were no classes at Alger Middle on Wednesday, and the awards night and band and choir concert were canceled. New dates should be set for the events by the end of the week.
Staff had the option to report to work on Wednesday. Those who did come in met with crisis debriefers and district leadership, the spokesperson said. The crisis debriefers include a social and emotional learning team and counselors, the spokesperson explained. They will be on hand at the school again Thursday when students return.
The district sent out a document about talking to children about violence and a list of resources for parents to consult.
—News 8’s Byron Tollefson contributed to this report.
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