1 student killed, 8 wounded in shooting at suburban Denver school

Two male students are in custody in connection with the attack at the STEM School Highlands Ranch in Douglas County, Colo.

A student is reported dead and eight other students have been wounded after gunfire erupted at a STEM-themed charter school in suburban Denver.

The Denver Post reports that two male students, one who is an adult and one who is a juvenile, are in custody in connection with the shooting at the STEM School Highlands Ranch in Highlands Ranch, Colo., and the Douglas County School District.

Authorities say eight students were injured in the gunfire.

The adult suspect has been identified as Devon Erickson, 18. The names of the victims and the juvenile suspect have not been disclosed.

Sheriff’s officials have not disclosed information the extent of injuries among the wounded students.

The suspects went “deep inside the school” and engaged in two locations, Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock says. The suspects used at least one handgun; Spurlock said he did not know how many or what types of other weapons they used.

Undersheriff Holly Nicholson-Kluth told reporters at a news conference that the first deputies to arrive at the school found some sort of struggle and then took the suspects into custody. Spurlock also said the deputies struggled with the suspects.

The school has about 1,850 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The reports of shots fired came at 1:53 p.m.

The injured were taken to area hospitals. Littleton Adventist Hospital said it received five patients, and three were treated and released.

SkyRidge Medical Center confirmed it had two patients, who did not have life-threatening injuries, according to a spokeswoman. Children’s Hospital Colorado had another patient, who was treated and released.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

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