Student Critical In California High School Shooting

Student critical in California high school shooting < br />

2013-01-11 08:22:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (BNO NEWS) -- At least two students were shot at a California high school when another student opened fire before being apprehended on Thursday, local authorities said.

The incident occurred at Taft Union High School, a small town located some 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Bakersfield, California in the San Joaquin Valley, when a a 16-year-old student arrived late to his class at the science building. Armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, he opened fire and hit a student in the chest at around 9 a.m. local time. He reportedly then missed after trying to shoot another student.

Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood spoke with the media, explaining that the classroom teacher began talking the student gunman out further violence, as he evacuated the rest of the students through the back door. A campus supervisor later joined and were able to convince the unnamed gunman, who was reportedly carrying 20 rounds with him, to put down the weapon. The shooter was placed in custody and although his identity was not disclosed, media sources reported the suspect as Brian Oliver.

The student who was shot was airlifted and hospitalized in Bakersfield. Local media identified him as Bowe Cleveland and was reported in stable condition. The teacher, identified as Ryan Heber by local media, was also wounded from a pellet reaching his head, while another two girls were also injured. One from suffered from hearing damage.

Youngblood praised the teacher, saying his heroic actions prevented the incident from escalating to worse scenario.

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