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15-year-old shot at Omaha Northwest High School; suspect in custody

Vaseline September 10, 2024

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – A 15-year-old student was in critical condition after he was shot Tuesday afternoon at Omaha Northwest High School.

Deputy Police Chief Sherie Thomas said during a 2 p.m. briefing that the victim was found inside the school and that the shooting was an isolated incident between two students.

She said the school counselor reported the shooting to police at 12:23 a.m. The suspect, also believed to be a student, was arrested at 12:58 a.m. near 80th Street and Bauman Avenue.

OPS reported that the school went into lockdown at 12:30 p.m. The lockdown was lifted at 1:30 p.m. and students were released room by room and sent to the west side, near the football stadium.

“Our department has sent a wireless emergency alert to the area surrounding Northwest High School to report police presence and there is no threat to public safety at this time,” OPD said in a tweet at 1:21 p.m.

OPD has confirmed the alleged shooter is in custody. Police told 6 News the crime scene — including the neighborhoods surrounding the school — is secure.

The OPD helicopter circled the area and a crime scene was established on campus.

A person believed to be the suspect in the shooting has been arrested. Police remain in the area for further investigation and reunification with the parents.

There is no danger to the community.

— Omaha Police Dept (@OmahaPolice) September 10, 2024

“Law enforcement has established a perimeter around the school campus. While we know there is no place families would rather be than with their student, we are asking families to avoid campus and wait for guidance as we learn more,” OPS said in their 1 p.m. update.

Both the school district and police urged patience as they worked to get students home to their families.

OPS provided details on how students would be released: