NORMAN, OK – A neighborhood is on edge following a shooting incident involving two teenagers near an elementary school. The unsettling event unfolded when a 15-year-old boy allegedly shot a 15-year-old girl in an area just behind Reagan Elementary School. The incident has left community members grappling with the reality of youth and gun violence.
The shooting occurred around 7:27 p.m. on a quiet evening, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. Officers received a call reporting the incident and quickly arrived at the scene on 24th Avenue Southeast. According to police, an altercation between the two teens escalated, culminating in the boy drawing a firearm and injuring the girl before fleeing the scene.
Jane Jewels, a local resident, witnessed the aftermath as she drove home from work. “I saw several police cars pulling into the neighborhood,” Jewels said, expressing deep concern for the safety of children in the area. “With Halloween approaching, we always have many trick-or-treaters, and this incident is unsettling.”
The injured girl was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she continues to receive medical treatment. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to the shooting and understand the relationship between the individuals involved.
The suspect was later apprehended at a residence on Lexington Street, approximately 12 minutes from the site of the shooting. Police took the young suspect into custody without incident, but the community remains in shock.
Jewels, like many residents, is struggling to process the event. “You hear about these things happening elsewhere, but you never think it will happen here,” she remarked, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in Norman.
As investigators continue to piece together the details, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing issues surrounding youth access to firearms. The community is left to ponder how such a young individual came into possession of a deadly weapon.
Norman police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek to bring clarity and justice to this distressing situation. Meanwhile, the community is left to heal and reassess safety measures to prevent future tragedies.