14 year old arrested in connection with shooting at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Officials with the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office and Orangeburg County School District held a press conference to provide an update on Wednesday’s shooting at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School.

Three students were injured when gunshots were fired in the school’s parking lot during afternoon dismissal, deputies say.

Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced that one person was in custody Wednesday afternoon in connection with the shooting. Sheriff Ravenell says the suspect is 14 years old and has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault.

The juvenile suspect is being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice. Law enforcement wants the teen to be tried as an adult.

RELATED STORY | Investigation continues after shooting at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School

It is unclear if the shooter was a student at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School or how they were able to access the campus.

Sheriff Ravenell says the shooting was an isolated incident and was not considered a drive by.

Deputies believe the students who were shot received non life-threatening injuries. They have been released from an area hospital.

Sheriff Ravenell says incidents like this is not just a law enforcement problem but “a community problem.”

The school will be closed to students for the rest of the week. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster says the current plan is for students to return Monday.

Dr. Foster says there will be an increased police presence at the school going forward.

Other arrests are expected to be made in connection with this case. Check back for updates.

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