STANLY COUNTY, N.C. -- An Albemarle High School student was shot by another student during an argument at the school Tuesday morning, Stanly County authorities said.
Albemarle police said a male student was shot twice in the courtyard at the front of the school around 7:40 a.m. before classes started for the day.
"In this case we had the suspect immediately in custody," said Albemarle Police Chief William Halliburton.
A parent who spoke to NBC Charlotte identified Jalen Russell as the shooter and the victim as Bernard Miller. Halliburton would only say the victim "was shot in the lower extremities."
Police said the shooting stemmed from an altercation between the two students, a juvenile and a 16-year-old, police say. There were a few students who witnessed the shooting.
Halliburton said the shooting was an isolated incident and the shooter has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Superintendent Terry Griffin released the following statement late Tuesday afternoon:
Good evening. This is Superintendent Terry Griffin. I wanted to personally reach out to you this evening to provide an update on the incident that happened this morning at Albemarle High School. First, it is very important to understand this was an isolated incident that involved 2 students outside, in the courtyard of the school. I want to thank our dedicated law enforcement officials who responded so quickly and are continuing to investigate the situation. I want to commend students and staff for their response in following procedures that are routinely practiced. But most importantly, I want to assure you that our schools are safe and that from this isolated incident we will continue to review and refine our security measures. Safety is our number one priority. Tomorrow Albemarle High School will see an increased security presence and counselors will be on hand to support students and staff as we get back to the business of preparing our students for their futures. Thank your for your continued support.
Halliburton would not officially release the name of the shooter, but NBC Charlotte was able to confirm the identity from witnesses at the school.
"We had 20 officers there (at the school) within minutes," Halliburton said during a news conference.
He said after Russell shot Miller he walked into the front office and turned himself in to the principal and resource officer.
"We have recovered the gun," Halliburton said. "It was placed on the ground."
The chief said the weapon was a handgun and two shots were fired during the altercation.
"He could have done more so the reaction is that we're thankful that he gave himself up," Halliburton said.
Officers did a sweep of the school while students were in lockdown. After the school was deemed safe, students were evacuated.
"The school was evacuated within one and a half hours," Halliburton said.
Once the school was evacuated the students went about a block away to North Albemarle Baptist Church on Salisbury. A staging area was set-up for parents at the church.
Classes were canceled Tuesday, and will resume Wednesday.
Halliburton said police had trained for school shooting during a training exercise this summer.
"I feel we were as prepared as we could be," he said.
The victim was taken to Stanly Regional Medical Center for treatment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
