Photo: Sue Danielson
(Des Moines, IA) -- One person is dead, two others are in critical condition after a shooting Monday afternoon outside East High School in Des Moines.
The Des Moines Police Department and Des Moines Fire Department rescue personal responded to the shooting at East High at 2:48 pm.
"We've got some potential suspects detained. Our detectives are interviewing them, as well as interviewing witnesses. We have our crime scene unit up at the school gathering evidence, and that's where we're at right now," says Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek
A press release from the Des Moines Police Department says the gunfire came from a passing vehicle. Shell casings have been found at the scene.
Des Moines Police say the three people shot on school property are all teenagers.
Police confirmed the deceased victim is a 15-year-old boy. He wasn't a East High School student.
The two hospitalized victims are a 18-year-old and 16-year-old females. They are both East High School students.
“I think we can all agree an event like this is everyone’s worst nightmare. Tonight, hug your students and love them," says East High School Principal Jill Versteeg.
In a Des Moines Public Schools press release, Superintendent Thomas Ahart says the following:
"We live in an era when shootings in and near schools have become too common. Our staff and students are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come. It’s unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible. We remain committed to protecting our students and staff, but real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us."
According to the Des Moines Police Department, the East High School shooting marks the fourth homicide of 2022.
No charges have been filed at this time. This investigation remains underway.