The Butler County Sheriff’s Office has released an update regarding Monday’s shooting at an Ohio school, an incident that left four students wounded.
At approximately 11:15 a.m., a student – now identified as 14-year-old James Austin Hancock – opened fire during lunch time at Madison High School, located in Madison Township, Butler County.
Hancock shot two students, while another two were injured by flying shrapnel. The victims with gunshot wounds were flown to area hospitals and all victims are expected to survive the ordeal.
The victims with gunshot wounds have been identified as 15-year-old Cameron Smith and 14-year-old Cooper Caffery. The other injured students have been identified as Brant Murray and Katherine Doucette, both 14.
As previously reported, a couple Madison Local Schools were dismissed early after the ordeal.
“This is a tragic and horrific event that you hope never happens,” Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones said of the incident. “The deputies, first responders, and surrounding agencies acted fast and apprehended the suspect quickly. We had help come from everywhere.”
Officials said they do not yet have a motive for the shooting. Jones said the teen is being charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, inducing panic and making terroristic threats -- all felony charges.
“We have the suspect in custody and we did locate the weapon used,” Jones added. “I would like to extend my gratitude to every agency that responded to assist and were happy to do so, we were happy they did, the parents of the students acted in an orderly fashion and we were able to get the other students released.”
