A shooting at Hallmark Apartments off East Reed Road sent stray bullets toward Washington School Wednesday afternoon, forcing the campus into a brief lockdown.
No injuries were reported.
Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner called the incident another act of senseless violence, disrupting an otherwise normal day, in a statement released Wednesday evening.
"Although no one was injured, and we thank God for that,” Turner said. “There was trauma experienced by those individuals within the vicinity of the incident."
In a message sent to the students’ families, the Head of Washington School, Chris Chaffinch, said the school immediately activated lockdown procedures after bullets struck windows in an area where no students were present.
“There was no direct threat to our campus,” Chaffinch wrote. "We are incredibly thankful and grateful to report that all students and staff remained safe throughout the incident."
The lockdown lasted about 30 minutes before regular school operations resumed.
As a precaution, all after-school practices were canceled, and the North State track meet has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 26.
Chaffinch praised students and staff for their calm response.
"Adversity reveals character,” he said. “Our Washington School community's character was positive today."
Chief Turner expressed his appreciation for the quick actions of dispatchers, officers, investigators, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.
He also commended school staff for their cooperation during the investigation.
Two individuals are currently being questioned, and an arrest is likely, according to Turner. Further details will be provided once the investigation is concluded.
Turner stressed the importance of apartment complexes investing in security on their properties. “Months ago, I wrote a letter to all Greenville apartment complexes encouraging them to purchase or upgrade their camera systems as an added safety feature for residents,” Turner said. “We saw today just how important those small purchases really are.”
He urged the community to take an active role in preventing violence.
"We don’t have time to place blame; we only have time for solutions," Turner said. "People must find better, non-violent ways of settling disputes and resolving conflict, other than picking up weapons."
