DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Concerned parents rushed to Wynbrooke Elementary School Thursday after hearing several students were injured from a BB or a pellet gun.
According to the DeKalb County School District, 10 children received non-life threatening injuries. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital said all of the students they are treating have been reunited with their parents. Some have also been released.
Parents said the students were outside playing when the incident happened.
11Alive is the station where Atlanta speaks. We talked to a 5th grader who recounted the scary moment at school.
"I remember seeing our teachers running down the hallway and seeing police officers running down the hallways and seeing them through the windows coming in and an ambulance," student Caleb Smith said. "And seeing those little carts that people lay on when they're injured."
His dad was fearful when he learned the news.
"You think the worst with what’s going on in the country these days, you’re thinking the worst right off the bat," said Caleb's dad, Tarik Edmonson.
"I'm very sad today, I feel depressed. I don't know what to do," another parent, Dina Gaskin said.
The mother said she was frustrated to learn what occurred.
"My daughter was here and my son is still here," she added. "I feel like the school should have called parents to let us know what was going on so we could decided whether we wanted to pick our kids up or not."
Students injured by pellet gun at Wynbrooke Elementary
The principal of Wynbrooke, Dr. Jermain Sumler-Faison sent a letter to parents about the incident and posted it on the school's website.
Dear Wynbrooke Wolverine Parents,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Police are investigating an event at Wynbrooke Elementary Theme School that occurred today where ten students suffered non-life threatening injuries from what appears to be a BB or pellet gun. The students were transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital to be treated or picked up by their parents. The shots appear to have come from a position away from the school grounds. There was never a threat of anyone entering the school building and no other students were injured. The health and safety of our students is, and always will be top priority. DeKalb Police officers are assisting DCSD Police in the investigation. Additional staff and DCSD police will be on-site tomorrow to ensure the safety of our students. This letter is an effort to maintain transparency as we keep stakeholders informed of events that occur on the Wynbrooke campus and maintain open lines of communication. Should you have any questions or concerns please call the school administration at 678-676-5002.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jermain Sumler-Faison Principal,
Wynbrooke Traditional Theme School
Gaskin said she is going to have a difficult time explaining the situation to her children -- especially her son, who is generally not allowed to go outside during school because of a medical condition. Last night, she said he begged her to let him be able to play outside with his friends.
The first time she said yes, innocent children were hurt.
"I'm so sad right now that we are not safe in our neighborhoods and our kids are not safe in our school, Gaskin said tearfully.
"As a community as people we've got to do better, this is where children come to get an education, and also to have fun."
Another parent told 11Alive she's just glad the children weren't seriously injured.
"It wasn't anything life threatening, but anything in the form of a gun is something serious, Tymika Tanksley said.
As a precaution, the district said additional staff and law enforcement officers will be at the school Friday.