Suspect In Custody After Shooting With Injuries At Noblesville Middle School

Authorities say two people are injured and a suspect is in custody after a shooting at Noblesville West Middle School.

Noblesville Police Chief Kevin Jowitt says one adult teacher and one teenage student were hospitalized with gunshot injuries.

A male student is in custody and is the only suspect at this time.

Noblesville Police Lt. Bruce Barnes says an unnamed male student asked to be excused from a classroom Friday morning, then returned with two handguns and opened fire.

Jowitt says the student was quickly taken into custody and didn’t confirm accounts that a teacher tackled the shooter after he fired four to six shots.

Police say they will not immediately officially release the identities or condition of the victims.

Seventh-grader Ethan Stonebraker says the class was taking a test when the student started shooting. He says teacher Jason Seaman likely prevented the shooter from harming more students.

“He took about four to six shots not aiming at anyone specifically like he was waving his hand around,” Stonebraker says. “Then we saw one girl fall to the ground and Mr. Seaman, our science teacher, immediately ran at him, swatted the gun out of his hand knocked the gun to the ground.”

Thirteen-year-old Chris Navarro, an eighth grader, says he was in an auditorium when he heard 16 gunshots about a minute before the bell rang for the change in classes. He says a lockdown was immediately announced over the school’s speaker. He rushed into a small room with three other people to hide.

Jowitt also says a threat was made against Noblesville High School, prompting a brief lock down.

Superintendent of Noblesville schools says families and staff at hospital are urged people to give space to the victims at this time. (Photo: Jeanie Lindsay)

The alleged shooter could face charges next week in Hamilton County juvenile court.

Noblesville police Lt. Bruce Barnes says several search warrants have been obtained.

Barnes declined to say whether the male student was targeting anyone. He said the suspected shooter wasn’t injured and wouldn’t comment on whether the student had been in trouble before.

Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear says his heart is breaking.

“We’ve had these shootings around the country, you just never think it can happen in Noblesville, Indiana, and it did,” he says.

State Leaders, Vice President Respond

Gov. Eric Holcomb was on his way back to Indiana after a trip to Europe at the time of the shooting Friday morning. He said he was monitoring the situation with state legislative leaders from the air.

“Approximately 100 state police officers have been made available to work with local responders and will offer all assistance needed,” Holcomb says in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this horrible situation.”

State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick says her office was in contact with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

“We have confidence in Noblesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Beth Niedermeyer and her team, law enforcement, and first responders,” McCormick says in a statement. “The Department stands ready to provide guidance and support and we will provide further statements as information unfolds.”

The Indiana State Teachers Association released a statement calling for action to “keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people.”

“This national crisis has landed in our backyard. We all have a responsibility to keep our kids safe from violence, and it’s unconscionable that they live in fear that one day their school may be next. When is enough, enough?” the statement says.

Vice President and former Indiana Governor Mike Pence was one of many politicians using Twitter to release statements.  Pence tweeted, “Karen and I are praying for the victims of the terrible shooting in Indiana. To everyone in the Noblesville community – you are on our hearts and in our prayers. Thanks for the swift response by Hoosier law enforcement and first responders.”