17-year-old Union High School student shot, suspect arrested

TULSA, Okla. — A football player from Union High School, Jarek Waite, is still in the hospital after he was shot at a house party over the weekend.

The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) said officers responded to a shooting call near East 24th Street and South Sheridan Road around 11 p.m. where a large group of teenagers were having a party at an Airbnb.

According to police, there was marijuana, alcohol, and guns present at the party.

Police said someone was toying with a gun when it accidentally went off and shot Waite.

Police believe it was an accidental shooting, but said it is very irresponsible.

“A young man, a 17 year old victim who is a Union student and apparently an athlete with Union, was in a room with some other people and we understand that there were multiple guns in this room and they were maybe making a video and just kind of waving the guns around in a very irresponsible manner,” said Captain Richard Meulenberg with TPD.

At some point, a gun goes off and a bullet hits Waite in the neck.

Police said the suspect, a 17-year-old boy, left the scene, but later contacted officers to cooperate.

The suspect was arrested and booked for reckless conduct with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

After taking the suspect into custody, Tulsa Police are beginning to unpack what exactly happened and how the teens got marijuana, alcohol, and the weapons.

Meulenberg said all aspects of the party could have been avoided.

"Someone's renting an Airbnb for a teenage party, that's wrong. Someone provided alcohol and marijuana for teenagers having a party, that's wrong,” said Meulenberg. “Somehow, they got a hold of multiple firearms and were waving them around in a reckless manner, also wrong. Then unfortunately, as a consequence of the culmination of all of these terrible things that took place, someone nearly lost their life because of it."

FOX23 also spoke with Waite’s football coach about the incident.

“The first thing I think of is his smile,” said Union’s Head Football Coach Kirk Fridrich. “He plays a bigger role for us than just catching the ball or running fast. He's an outstanding teammate, a friend, he's a brother. Those types of things that we miss most. For us, we just want him back with us."

The University of Tulsa’s Head Football Coach, Kevin Wilson, offered his prayers to the Waite family too.

“Prayers to their team, that family, that young man for the incident. I think that happened yesterday or the day before yesterday. That's very sad and unfortunate. Matter of fact, I believe he was at our game Thursday night. For what that's worth."

Since the shooting, Coach Fridrich has visited Waite at the hospital.

Seeing him recovering gives him hope that Waite will be reunited with his team.

Fridrich told FOX23 counselors are available for the team if needed during this time.

Union Public Schools told FOX23 they are concerned about Waite’s condition and are hoping for a speedy recovery.

“We are greatly concerned about Jarek Waite as he is a special young man and an integral part of our Union family," Union Public Schools said. "Jarek and his family are in our thoughts, and we are praying for a quick and full recovery."

Waite was listed in stable condition and is expected to recover.

The 17-year-old suspect turned himself in to the police and is facing charges.

FOX23 will continue to provide updates as they become available.