JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A juvenile was taken to a hospital after a shooting at the home of a Science High School student prompted soft lockdowns at several schools Wednesday morning.
Johnson City police responded to a report of shots fired in the 1100 block of Sunset Court around 7:20 a.m.
A juvenile who was shot was taken to a hospital and was in stable condition Wednesday evening, according to the police department.
Johnson City Schools said Science Hill and several other area schools were placed on soft lockdowns Wednesday morning as a precaution. The school system confirmed with News Channel 11 that schools on soft lockdown included Science Hill, Topper Academy, Liberty Bell, Town Acres and Woodland.
News Channel 11 was on the scene of the shooting as officers investigated a blue Honda Civic at the front of the residence with a broken window.
Johnson City Police Captain Kevin Peters told News Channel 11 that the victim was shot multiple times and was believed to be sitting in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
The shooting is believed to be an isolated incident, police said. They also confirmed that this incident is the only shooting the criminal investigations department is investigating at this time.
“We’ve not had any problems that I know of in that particular area, so I mean I think this is an isolated incident,” Peters said.
A suspect in the shooting has not been identified.
“We do have somebody that was armed, and they’re still on the loose, and we’re just asking for the public’s help in identifying this person and coming forward with any information,” Peters said.
Peters said while they are still seeking a suspect, the public is not in any danger.
Police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact investigations at 423-434-6166. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crimestoppers at 423-434-6158 or by texting 423JCPD and your tip to 847411.
The JCS website states that in a soft lockdown situation, parents are not notified unless there are extenuating circumstances. A soft lockdown entails students staying in their classrooms while teaching continues, but no one is allowed in or out of the building.
More details on the JCS lockdown policies are available here.
