PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Parma Police Public Information Officer Scott Traxler and Parma Schools confirmed to News 5 that a student shot themselves in the Valley Forge High School cafeteria on Monday.
Police got the call around 2:11 p.m.
The school district said that students were evacuated to a designated reunification point at Cuyahoga Community College.
News 5's Damon Maloney spoke with a student who attends Valley Forge, but left school early on Monday. Soon after the shooting began, she was away from school, but began receiving messages from her friends about the ongoing incident.
"I'm terrified, and I'm honestly shocked," Layla Diperna said. "As soon as I heard that, we both started breaking down crying because she could have shot up the school, many children could have been hurt, that is my biggest fear, and I know a lot of other students' biggest fear.
Parma City Schools issued the following statement regarding the situation:
Earlier today at approximately 2:10 p.m., an incident involving a firearm occurred at Valley Forge High School. Law enforcement and fire personnel responded immediately and remain on site.
The situation is contained, and there is no ongoing threat to students or staff. Student safety remains our top priority, and we are working closely with local authorities as the investigation continues.
As part of our safety protocols, the school is operating under heightened supervision, and students were evacuated to the designated reunification site at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C).
We understand this is concerning for our school community and will provide additional updates as more information becomes available
Parma Heights Police is handling the investigation; Parma Police is assisting.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
