UPDATE 2:00 P.M.
The Pine Bluff School District has released the following statement regarding Monday morning’s incident:
The District received a report from Police Chief Lloyd Franklin that shots were fired in the community by persons fitting the description of high school students.
Given the proximity of the shots that were fired, which could be heard from the corner of the Pine Bluff High School (PBHS) campus, the district, joined by Pine Bluff Police Department (PBPD) officers, investigated the report. Using information shared by community members, it was determined that PBHS students were in fact involved in shots being fired away from the school site.
The initial investigation and searches have revealed that the gun used was hidden off-site. Students, who will not be named, have been detained without incident as the investigation continues.
An increased police presence will continue on the campus.
The District would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Franklin and his resourceful officers as well as the valuable community members who reached out to PBPD and the Mayor’s Office to make the District aware of the potential threat.
The safety of our scholars will greatly depend on the positive collaboration and teamwork exemplified by all who helped the District bring this matter to a peaceful resolution today.
UPDATE 12:00 P.M.
Video showing several students running down the street followed by a gunshot with more students running has been released.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Pine Bluff Police Department is investigating a Monday morning shooting that took place near Pine Bluff High School.
Pine Bluff Police Chief Lloyd Franklin confirmed the shooting to Deltaplex News Monday morning.
“We are just searching the campus and student’s property as necessary,” said Franklin. “We have identified four students and the one that fired the shot near the campus.”
Franklin added that Pine Bluff School District Superintendent Barbara Warren is preparing a statement that she will release sometime on Monday.
No injuries have been reported due to this shooting.
