Suspect remains at large after deadly shooting at Natomas High School, officials say
Sacramento police said a suspect remains at large after a deadly shooting at Natomas High School on Friday.
A Natomas High parent called in to CBS News Sacramento late Friday afternoon to report that their child, who is a student at the school, had informed them that the campus was on lockdown due to a shooter.
CBS News Sacramento then reached out to the Sacramento Police Department, which confirmed that just after 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the school after learning of the shooting. Police have since confirmed the suspect is a current Natomas High student.
CBS News Sacramento obtained a letter Natomas Unified sent out to families following the shooting, which stated that the victim had died and was a former Natomas High student enrolled at another local high school. Officials previously stated that the victim was a student of Natomas High. Neither the victim nor the suspect has been identified.
"Our hearts are with the student's family, friends, and the entire Natomas High School community impacted by this devastating loss," the district said in the letter. "Natomas is a close-knit community, and when something like this happens, it affects us all. We know this news is difficult and may bring a range of emotions for our students, staff, and families."
City Councilmember Karina Talamantes, who represents the area, said the shooting happened after school got out for the day.
"Our hearts are with the victim and with the students, staff and families impacted," Talamantes said.
Natomas Unified stated in its letter that law enforcement officials said the victim was intentionally targeted and that this appeared to be an isolated incident.
Anthony Gamble, a spokesperson for Sacramento police, said no one has been detained at this time as the search continues for the gunman.
Talamantes confirmed the school was put on lockdown while law enforcement officials continued processing the scene.
Natomas High School is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Truxel and San Juan roads. Officers were also seen in the parking lot of the Natomas Village Apartments, directly across the street from the school. A Sacramento Sheriff's Office SWAT vehicle was also seen moving through the complex.
Micah Grant, a Natomas Unified School District board member, called it a "horrific tragedy" and said the district was working with police to have "a heightened safety presence on our campuses."
"We can never treat tragic situations like this as being unavoidable and we will never accept it," Grant added. "I've confirmed that the district has mobilized our safety and safe schools department as well as our school psychologists and counselors to support our kids, staff, and community through this difficult time."
California Senator Angelique Ashby, whose district includes Natomas, said her office would be cooperating with Sacramento's police and fire departments, as well as the Natomas Unified School District.