North Hills, Los Angeles: A shooting near Sepulveda Middle School in North Hills on Wednesday afternoon left a teenage boy injured and prompted a temporary lockdown of the campus, raising concerns among parents and students in the area.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 3 p.m. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found a 17-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to the thigh. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover, officials said.
Police identified a 13-year-old boy as the suspected shooter. As of now, the suspect has not been taken into custody. However, authorities confirmed that a firearm believed to be used in the incident was recovered at the scene. Investigators are still working to determine the motive and whether the suspect has any known affiliations.
Incident Happened Near School Grounds
The shooting occurred in front of Sepulveda Middle School, though officials clarified it did not take place within the fenced campus area. The injured teen was not a student at the school; he was reportedly on his way to pick up a younger sibling when the incident unfolded.
Initial findings suggest there may have been some kind of altercation before the shooting. Witnesses reported seeing a group of individuals arguing or fighting moments before shots were fired.
Students Describe Panic and Fear
Students at the school described a chaotic and frightening scene. One student said they heard loud bangs and immediately saw people running in panic.
“We were really nervous and shocked,” a student shared. “Everyone just started running when we heard the noise.”
As a precaution, school officials immediately placed the campus on lockdown and requested support from the Los Angeles School Police Department. Law enforcement vehicles quickly filled the surrounding streets as officers secured the area.
Suspect Still at Large, Investigation Ongoing
Police briefly detained two individuals at the scene, but both were later released after being cleared of involvement. Authorities have not confirmed whether the 13-year-old suspect is a student at the school.
By around 5 p.m., the lockdown was lifted after officials determined there was no ongoing threat to the campus. However, police presence in the area remained heightened as the investigation continued.
School District Responds with Support Measures
The Los Angeles Unified School District announced that additional staff and mental health resources will be made available to students following the incident. Extra patrol officers are also expected to be present on campus in the coming days to ensure safety and reassurance.
Officials emphasized that no other injuries were reported and there is currently no indication of further danger. Still, the incident has left the community shaken, especially given the young age of the suspected shooter and the location near a school.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
