Photo screenshot: KOAT YOUTUBE/Teacher shot at middle school in Hobbs
A teacher was shot Friday at Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico. Police responded to the school after receiving reports of a shooting. The Hobbs Fire Department said crews found a teacher with gunshot wounds.
The teacher was taken to a hospital for treatment. School officials later said the staff member was in stable condition and in good spirits. Police also took a juvenile into custody after a short foot chase near the school. No students were hurt in the shooting, according to Hobbs Municipal Schools.
What happened at Highland Middle School?
The shooting happened Friday morning outside the middle school. Hobbs police arrived within minutes of receiving the call. Officers found the teacher with multiple gunshot wounds, according to local reports.
Police then searched the area around the school. A juvenile suspect was taken into custody after officers pursued the person on foot. Authorities have not released the juvenile’s identity. Because the suspect is a juvenile, officials have also limited the information they can release.
Teacher remains stable
The injured teacher was taken to a local hospital. School officials said the teacher remains stable. They also said the staff member was in good spirits. Meanwhile, no students suffered injuries in the shooting.
School officials said staff members and first responders acted quickly to protect the school community. They also said employees followed the school’s safety procedures during the incident.
School events canceled after shooting
The shooting also changed several school events in Hobbs. Officials canceled Friday night’s Hobbs High School homecoming parade. They also moved the varsity football game to this morning. The game is scheduled for 10 a.m. The changes came as police continued their investigation around Highland Middle School.
Police investigation continues
Officials have not released a motive for the shooting. They also have not provided further details about what led to the incident. School officials said they will continue working with law enforcement as the investigation moves forward. Because the case involves a juvenile, officials said they will respect the investigative process.
For now, the school district said its focus remains on the injured teacher, students and employees. The district also said it is working to keep Highland Middle School a safe and supportive place for students and staff.
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