Student dies after being shot in bathroom at Joppatowne High School

HARFORD, Md. ( DC News Now ) — The Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said a 15-year-old boy died Friday afternoon following a shooting at Joppatowne High School.

Deputies and firefighters went to the school, located at 555 Joppa Farm Rd., after receiving word of the shooting, which took place in a bathroom on the first floor.

In a message from Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), officials said 15-year-old student Warren Grant had been shot during an altercation at the school. The school district provided updates throughout the day Friday on its website .

Officials said Grant and a 16-year-old boy who is accused of shooting him were the only people involved in the argument and that the shooting was an isolated incident.

Sheriff Jeff Gahler said other students removed Grant from the bathroom. The principal and a school resource officer (SRO) were in the school at the time, but they did not hear the gunfire, itself. They did, however, hear a commotion and responded.

Grant was flown to a trauma center with serious injuries. The sheriff later said he died.

The sheriff’s office said the 16-year-old boy left the school after the shooting, but deputies found him a short time later and took him into custody near neighboring houses.

Gahler said that while current legislation prevents the Harford County Sheriff’s Office from questioning the 16-year-old boy, the State’s Attorney confirmed the boy will be charged in the shooting.

Parents were asked to pick up students at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

In a statement issued Friday evening, Maryland Governor Wes Moore wrote:

The First Lady and I are heartbroken for the Joppatowne community as we grieve the loss of a life cut short. Maryland prays for the young victim of this senseless act, Warren Curtis Grant – as well as his family, friends, teachers, mentors, and loved ones.

We are thankful to local authorities, the Maryland State Police, first responders, school staff, and many other leaders for their swift response. I’ve been in touch with Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, and our administration stands ready to lend full support to authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.

Every Marylander deserves to feel safe at school. Our administration will continue to support families, grassroots leaders, local law enforcement, and all of our partners as we work together to keep our schools, our communities, and our entire state safe. May we always remember our solemn obligation to build a better future for our children.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore

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