Authorities say two people were shot and suspects remain on the loose following a shooting Thursday at Crossroads Alternative High School in Kentwood. The shooting followed graduation ceremonies there. Suspects fled the scene following the shooting. The victims are reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities say the shooting occurred around 7:20 pm Thursday at East Kentwood High School where the Crossroads Alternative High School graduation ceremonies took place. Law enforcement agencies were at the graduation and additional units immediately responded.
About 60 students and their families and friends were at the school’s stadium for the graduation. This incident happened following the ceremony. There was also a middle school concert going on at the same time in the high school auditorium.
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye Young says people in two cars started exchanging gunshots. She says the shots struck a 16-year-old boy from Texas and a 40-year-old woman from Grand Rapids.
As a result, four Kentwood Public Schools were closed today including Pinewood Middle School, East Kentwood High School and Freshman campus and Crossroads Alternative. All other KPS schools were open today.
Kentwood Superintended Kevin Polston issued a statement saying, “When violence occurs in our community, it is both troubling and tragic” adding, “We remain committed to the health and safety of our community and will provide support and counseling to any students that need assistance.”
Polston says they’re working with the Sheriff’s Department and asks anyone with information or videos to contact authorities or Silent Observer.