Graham-Kapowsin Shooting Suspect Caught: Pierce County Sheriff

GRAHAM, WA - The 16-year-old that police believe opened fire at Graham-Kapwosin High School last week turned himself in to authorities on Monday, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. The teen surrendered at Remann Hall in Tacoma and is facing charges of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting.

Two Graham-Kapowsin students were hit in the shooting and suffered serious injuries. The shooting happened at what was supposed to be a fistfight outside the school last Tuesday afternoon. The suspect allegedly fired into the crowd gathered to watch the fight as he sped off in a car.

Police arrested two other suspects in connection to the shooting, but they have been released for now, according to the sheriff's office.

Bethel School District Superintendent Tom Seigel released a statement about the shooting Monday calling it an "incredibly scary and stressful experience."

The shooting near Graham-Kapowsin High School last week was a trying time for our community. Even though it happened off campus and after school hours, this was an incredibly scary and stressful experience that impacted many of our students, staff, and community members. I want to take a minute to share my appreciation for the community who supported us during this difficult time.

Churches in the area opened their doors, and citizens opened their homes to students who were caught outside during the lockdown. Prayer meetings were held around the community to support our staff, students, and especially the victims and their families. There were also numerous calls received from parents, community members, and local business partners offering support both during and after the event. We felt very supported by our community.

In times like this our thanks always go out to the first responders and the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for all of their hard work, not only keeping our students and staff safe during this difficult time, but for the work they continue to do with the investigation. So much of what they do every day in our community often goes unnoticed, and I want to publicly thank them for the important role they have.

We saw a similar show of support from our community last month when beloved Bethel High School principal Adam Cox unexpectedly passed away. That staff is still reeling from the loss, and the community support has been incredibly helpful as they mourn and begin to heal from Adam’s passing.

I am incredibly proud to serve as superintendent in this wonderful community. Speaking on behalf of all the staff members of the Bethel School District, we are proud to be able to live and work in a community that is as caring and gracious as you.

Image courtesy Bethel School District