PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A chaotic scene unfolded near Cleveland High School Monday afternoon after a 16-year-old student was shot outside of the school.
The teen was taken by private vehicle to a local hospital but is expected to be OK, police said.
Portland police said officers responded to the school just before 12:35 p.m. after a 911 caller said they heard gunshots in the area. According to witnesses, two vehicles may have been involved, but neither vehicle stayed at the scene of the shooting.
One parent, Robert Kobus, got texts from his son inside the school as scared students sheltered in place.
“All he texted me was that, ‘I heard noises. We’re now on lockdown. They’ve locked the doors to the classrooms, we’re under our desks, and I’m really scared,'” Kobus said.
Kobus arrived a short time later after receiving his son’s text.
“It was tense when I first arrived and police cars were scrambling all around the school,” he told KOIN 6 News. “I noticed they put some crime tape up and were also able to put down possible markers of gunshot casings.”
In a statement, PPS officials said “the safety of our students is our foremost priority and we stand in solidarity with those working to prevent senseless acts of gun violence in our community.”
This comes after multiple students were injured in separate incidents near Jefferson High School in the past few months. In November, a student was injured in a drive-by shooting and in October, two students were shot after school as they rushed into the gym to get away.
Parents told KOIN 6 News the continued gun violence in Portland and across the country is worrisome and hopes it can be resolved soon.
“There’s been too much violence all over the United States, way too much violence, too many students put in danger, it’s really concerning,” Kobus said.
Later Monday evening, Portland Public Schools confirmed there will not be classes on Tuesday. Teachers and staff will meet to plan for how best to support students when they return and for those in need of in-person support, counseling will be on site for students starting after 11 a.m., along with lunch for those who need it.
Anyone with information about the shooting who has not yet spoken with police is asked to call (503)823-3333 or email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 22-329000.