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Last updated on Thursday, December 13, 2018
(RICHMOND) - A teenager shot and killed himself at a Richmond middle school Thursday morning.
The district earlier said there "has been an active shooter situation at Dennis Intermediate School. At this time, the building is secure."
The school is located at 222 Northwest 7th Street in Richmond.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the Richmond Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Department, and Indiana State Police, Lane reported. Reid Health trauma services was also at the scene in case the shooting turned into a "mass casualty" situation.
Indiana State Police later confirmed a teenage suspect died.
The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police reacted quickly to the scene because they had received a tip about a possible threat just before the shooting.
"Officers received information this morning that there could possibly be someone en route to commit a violent act at Dennis Intermediate School here in Richmond," said Sgt. John Bowling with Indiana State Police. "Officers responded rapidly. They did confront a suspect outside the school. Shots were exchanged, and the teen suspect decided to take his own life."
Bowling said neither students nor officers were injured.
"[No one was hurt] mainly because someone knew something, and they said something," Bowling said. "They warned police and police were able to respond. The school was able to follow procedures to help protect students."
Lane reported that Dennis students were loaded onto buses so they could be moved to Richmond High School. The district said students are being accounted for; once they are, they'll be reunited with their parents. Parents must report to Civic Hall to pick up their children.
Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement about the shooting:
"Earlier this morning, I directed the Indiana State Police to work with all local responders at the shooting at Dennis Intermediate School. We will continue to work with the school and Superintendent Jennifer McCormick to do everything possible to assist the community and support all those impacted by this terrible unfolding situation."
Superintendent McCormick's Statement on Shooting at Dennis Intermediate School
"Today a shooting at an Indiana school occurred. State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick is in contact with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana State Police, and Governor Holcomb and is actively monitoring the situation. We have full confidence in Richmond Community Schools' Superintendent Todd Terrill and his team, law enforcement, and first responders. The Department stands ready to provide guidance and support, and we will provide further statements as information unfolds."
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