FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) held a press conference Wednesday morning to provide updates on a shooting that occurred near Reynolds High School late Tuesday afternoon. Joined by officials from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough announced that no one is in custody at this time as the investigation continues.
The Incident
A student was shot in the leg during a fight near Reynolds High School at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the FCSO. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Sheriff Kimbrough, who visited the family, shared that the student is recovering well. The student’s mother expressed gratitude for community prayers and urged residents to "put their guns down."
Immediate Response
Northwest Boulevard was closed for several hours as deputies conducted an investigation. Around 300-400 students who were still on campus at the time of the shooting were escorted by school staff into the school’s gymnasiums for safety. The students were later reunited with their families at a nearby Harris Teeter parking lot on Cloverdale Avenue.
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Tricia McManus commended the swift response of law enforcement and school staff, noting that officers arrived quickly, and a lockdown was implemented immediately. By 7 p.m., all students had been safely reunited with their parents.
Ongoing Investigation
The shooting remains under investigation, with no suspects in custody as of Wednesday morning. Sheriff Kimbrough stated that law enforcement is actively searching for the individual or individuals involved.
"The wound may not have been life-threatening, but it was life-changing," Kimbrough said, reflecting on his conversation with the student and their family.
Forsyth Co. District Attorney Jim O'Neill acknowledged the impact of a recent change in juvenile charging laws, which went into effect on December 1, and how it may influence the investigation.
Support for Students and Staff
Classes resumed as scheduled on Wednesday at Reynolds High School. A crisis response team is on campus to support students and staff coping with the aftermath of the incident.
Law enforcement will maintain a presence at the school for the remainder of the week to ensure safety and provide reassurance to the school community.
Community Plea
The student’s mother and Sheriff Kimbrough both called for unity and a commitment to reducing violence in the community.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.
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