OAK PARK (WWJ) - One student remains hospitalized this weekend after a fight escalated into shots fired following a varsity basketball game at Oak Park High School on Friday evening, officials said.
Oak Park Schools said in a statement that the victim was a student of the NOVA Academy and the other individuals involved were not students in the Oak Park School District.
In a press release from Oak Park Pubic Safety, officers said the incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. on Friday during a physical fight between the victim and another group outside the school after the game.
The suspect allegedly pulled out a handgun and open fired, striking the victim several times. authorities said.
The victim was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Officers were able to locate the suspect and recovered a handgun. The case is expected to be handed over and reviews by the Oakland County Prosecutor for authorization of charges.
School officials said in their own statement that Oak Park Public Safety took the suspects into custody without further incident -- it remains unclear if police made any other arrests outside of the shooting suspect.
Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate called the incident "tragic and unnecessary," and said they fully support the victim, their family, and the entire Oak Park schools community.
“In Oak Park we continuously work to create safe environments for our children and our residents and their families. I am proud of our Oak Park public safety team for their diligent work on this. The City of Oak Park and its employees remain committed to creating a safe community for all.”
School administrators said the incident remains under investigation at this time, but will update students, families and staff once more details are available.
"Events like this are difficult and emotionally challenging." the statement from the district continued. 'if you believe that your child is experiencing a significant amount of difficulty managing their emotions related to this event, please discuss these feelings with them and/or do not hesitate to contact us for support."
Officials explained that while high school students need their parents less now than when they were younger, it is a critical time in their lives and parents should be involved.
"With this in mind, our ask of you is that you please closely monitor your child's texts, social media accounts, phone calls, and emails to further assess their social emotional needs," the school advised parents.
Oak Park Public Safety Director Steve Cooper praised his officers for their response and ability to detain the suspect quickly.
"Our priority is always the safety of our community and we will continue to work closely with Oak Park Schools, and all other districts within the City of Oak Park, to ensure the highest safety for all," Cooper said.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident has been asked to contact the Oak Park Public Safety at (248) 691-7520.
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