(Updated at 4 p.m.) Arlington County Police are investigating a reported shooting in the Nauck neighborhood.
The shooting happened along S. Kenmore Street, less than a block from a preschool, an elementary school and a church. Initial reports suggest at least one person was either shot, grazed by a bullet or injured by shrapnel. A police helicopter has been assisting with the search for suspects as K9 units and heavily-armed officers comb the area.
“At 2:00 three gunshots were heard in the vicinity of S. Kenmore and S. Shirlington Road,” a tipster told ARLnow.com via email. “Children from Drew Elementary School were urgently ushered inside by a running staff member from their playing outside on the school basketball court.”
The victim’s injuries are reported to be minor and he was treated and released on scene, according to police.
The incident started as a verbal dispute among three people at a nearby 7-Eleven store, according to ACPD spokesman Ashley Savage. That dispute escalated and shots were fired near the intersection of S. Kenmore Street and 22nd Street S. One person was injured and two fled the scene, Savage said.
A traffic stop on southbound I-395, not far from the shooting scene, did not turn up either of the shooting suspects, according to Savage.
11 police vehicles along right lanes of 395 south after King St. Left 2 lanes get by.@WTOPtraffic pic.twitter.com/jz9AgafRl4
— Lois Layne (@MetropolisGal) September 20, 2018
Drew Elementary had been placed in “secure the building” mode as a result of the shooting, according to an Arlington Public Schools spokesman. The school eventually dismissed on time, according to an email sent to parents by principal Kim Graves.
Dear Drew Families:
We just received the “all clear” from the Arlington County Police Department.
We will proceed with dismissal as scheduled. Due to the ongoing police investigation, buses are just arriving at the school. As a result, students who ride the bus will be delayed in leaving school.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. Please feel free to call if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Kim Graves,
Principal
Police are clearing the scene. The investigation is ongoing. The shooting was between parties involved in a dispute and there is no known threat to the community. Public, as always, is asked to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) September 20, 2018
Photo via Google Maps