Arkansas student kills self inside school cafeteria bathroom
LITTLE ROCK AR April 27 2019 Concord Public Schools were placed on lockdown Wednesday after a high school student committed suicide on campus, authorities said.
A Concord School faculty member heard what he believed to be gunshots in a cafeteria bathroom around 12:40 p.m.
When he checked the bathroom, he found a student with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.
Authorities were contacted and say the 14-year-old 8th grader was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a news release, it is believed at this time that this is an isolated incident, but students were searched and moved to a more secure area.
Police officers also searched bags, lockers, and other items in an effort to confirm that this was an isolated incident.
Then students were released to family or taken home on their buses.
The student’s body is being sent to the State Crime Lab. and authorities say this is an on-going investigation.
As for a motive for the shooting, the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department is considering the possibility of bullying.
Certainly anytime there’s an incident like this that happens, the question of bullying comes up. In regards to that, rumors fly and speculations always abounds in situations. So all things like that are being looked into and considered at this time,” said Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
However, he added they do not have any details to confirm or deny as of right now.
When asked about future safety concerns for the school, Sheriff Brown did not seem worried.
He said he was proud of the way Concord Public Schools handled the situation, adding that some faculty members do carry firearms on campus.
Classes were canceled for the rest of the week and will be back in session on Monday.
School district superintendent Michael Davidson said counselors will be available next week when students and staff return.
KATV
