No Students Injured in Joplin School Shooting

KBZI
Oct. 09, 2006

Joplin Police say no students were injured in a shooting at Memorial Middle School, 310 W. 8th St., in Joplin on Monday morning. The suspect is in custody. Parents are directed to Joplin Memorial Hall parking lot, 212 W. 8th St. where they may pick up their children or leave them until the end of the school day. Lunch will be provided. All but five students have been picked up and the others are expected to remain the rest of the day.

A 13 year old male student wearing a trench coat, and homemade mask and carrying an AK47 and a backpack entered the building at 7:45 AM before school started. Most students were in the auditorium where they typically begin their day. According to reports, the student repeatedly stated, "Don't make me do this," before firing a single shot into the ceiling hitting a water pipe. Administrators reportedly told the student, "There's another way. Don't do this." And were able to convince him to leave the building where police arrested him and took him into custody. He's being questioned with his parents.

The student's backpack contained recipies for improvised explosive devises and detailed maps of the school. According to Sargent Kurt Farmer of the Joplin Police Department this event was "well planned." Three search teams with dogs searched the building for explosives.

Govenor Blunt was scheduled to be in Joplin already but canceled his meetings to survey the site and visit students at Memorial Hall. He stated that on October 19th there will be a live Webcast to discuss school safety and mentioned legislation to allow some teachers to carry firearms in school is a possiblity in the future. Jim Simpson, Superintendent of Joplin Schools, said that it's society's decision but he doesn't like the idea.

Another media update is scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon. Stay tuned to B100.7 KBZI for updates or check this page for information as we get it.