TOCCOA — Two people are in custody following gunfire Tuesday night in the parking lot of Stephens County High School during a school sporting event.
Deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office responded around 8 p.m. Feb. 10 to reports of shots fired on campus, according to Rebekah Smith, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.
School Resource Officers were on duty monitoring two sporting events at the time and were alerted to possible gunshots in the student parking lot. SROs, along with the sheriff’s office Crime Suppression Unit and school administrators, responded immediately to secure the area.
The school was placed on lockdown for approximately 30 minutes while deputies and investigators interviewed witnesses, collected evidence and reviewed surveillance footage, Smith said.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., investigators determined the scene was safe and lifted the lockdown.
Authorities determined that a driver and passenger fired multiple shots in the parking lot before immediately leaving campus. No injuries were reported.
As the investigation progressed, investigators identified two suspects. Arrest warrants were issued for both individuals on charges of aggravated assault.
Both suspects were taken into custody Wednesday, Feb. 11, and booked into the Stephens County Jail. Additional charges are pending.
“At this time, we are not releasing names or booking photos of the two individuals. The investigation is active and ongoing, and we will provide more information as it becomes available,” Smith said.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division tip line at 706-886-7048, the non-emergency dispatch line at 706-779-3911, or submit a tip through the sheriff’s office mobile app.
Sheriff Rusty Fulbright condemned the incident and praised the swift response by deputies and school staff.
“No student, parent, or teacher should have to fear going to school or sporting events. We will not tolerate this kind of behavior that endangers Stephens County students and families,” Fulbright said. “I am proud of everyone who worked quickly and diligently to secure the scene and ensure the safety of students and spectators during this incident. Together, we continue our efforts to keep Stephens County safe.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
