SATURDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE FROM THE PBSO:
The PBSO Violent Crimes Division is leading this investigation and is coordinating all investigative efforts with the School Police. One, or both, of the individuals shot were targeted in this incident. Both victims are from the West Palm Beach area.
This WAS NOT a random act of violence and had NO bearing on the Palm Beach Central or William T. Dwyer high schools, students, faculty and/or staff. The shooting occurred just outside the seating area of the stadium near the ticket booth. The motive for this incident is unknown at this time. This investigation is active and ongoing.
The condition and ages of the two victims of the shooting are described as follows:
Victim #1 is a 39-year-old B/M in stable condition at a local hospital.
Victim #2 is a 29-year-old B/M in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.
The descriptions of the two suspects are as follows:
Suspect #1: B/M, late teens to early twenties, 6’0”, and 170 lbs. He was wearing a baggy white t-shirt and armed with a black handgun.
Suspect #2: B/M, armed with a black handgun. No other description available.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS or you can remain ANONYMOUS by downloading our new app “PBSO” for your Apple or Android smart phone and using the “See Something” feature. The app can also be downloaded from www.pbsoapp.com.
LINK TO PBSO PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO:
PRESS CONFERENCE on last night’s shooting at Palm Beach Central High School.
Posted by PBSO – Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, August 18, 2018
SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT:
The School District of Palm Beach County continues to respond to the shooting that occurred during Friday night’s football game between Palm Beach Central and William T. Dwyer high schools.
The District is providing counselors at Wellington High School and William T. Dwyer High School from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday for any students, parents and staff who need to speak with someone about the incident. This is for counseling only, and no additional updates will be provided at this time.
Students and staff should be prepared to provide their student or staff ID number when entering the campus.
Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy would like to thank the many law enforcement officers on duty Friday evening, as well as those who responded after the incident to ensure everyone evacuated the campus safely. Their swift action helped to keep students and families safe.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and School District Police are working to find the person or people responsible, as well as the motive. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Sheriff’s office or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.
At this time, investigators have confirmed that two adult males were shot during the game at Palm Beach Central. Both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
As investigators and administrators sort through the details of what happened Friday, all District outdoor sporting events and practices are canceled for the weekend. That includes third-party rentals of athletic fields. The District appreciates that all parties understand safety and security is our priority at this time.
Student safety and security is paramount on our campuses. While the investigation into this incident continues, District officials will be working to determine what additional safeguards are needed for Friday night football games.
SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE FROM THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON:
Wellington Addresses Concerns Following Palm Beach Central High School Shooting
Wellington is shocked and saddened by last night’s shooting at Palm Beach Central High School. In an effort to provide Village residents with the most accurate information, Council would like to share what we know at this point in the investigation:
• No students from Palm Beach Central or Dwyer high schools were shot
• The incident happened in the parking lot
• There were two adult victims, neither live in the Village, both are receiving medical care and are expected to survive
• The shooters left the school immediately
• The School District Police and the Sheriff’s office are investigating
• There will be counselors at both schools today and Monday
Law enforcement’s reaction last night was immediate and substantial. School District Police was on campus and responded rapidly. Assistance was provided by multiple agencies who secured the school and grounds. After the shots were fired, protecting the people on campus was law enforcement’s first priority. As the investigation continues the School District, the Sheriff and the Village will provide more information. Until then we ask that you give our police officers the time to investigate.
UPDATE FROM PBSO AT 11:50 PM:
Both victims are adult males and not students in the Palm Beach County school system. This was not a result of a current altercation or a random act of violence. The investigation is very active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS or you can remain ANONYMOUS by downloading our new app “PBSO” for your Apple or Android Smart Phone and using the “See Something” feature. The app can also be downloaded from www.pbsoapp.com.
UPDATE FROM PBSO AT 10:20 PM:
“What we know so far is a group of students attending an event on school grounds this evening got into an altercation, which resulted in two victims being shot. One victim was located on the school property and the second victim was transported to a local hospital by a friend. Both are currently being treated at area hospitals. Conditions are unknown. Gender and ages of the victims have not been confirmed at this time. Suspect information and motive of the altercation is unknown at this time. Palm Beach County School Board Police have requested the PBSO Violent Crimes Division to assume this shooting investigation and investigate further. More information will be released when it becomes available.”
MEDIA ADVISORY FROM PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE…
Time: 9:13 p.m.
Location: 8499 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
PBSO Dispatch received multiple calls of shots fired in the 8400 block of Forest Hill Blvd. at Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington. Deputies have arrived on scene and are currently gathering more information. At this point, the PBSO does not believe it is an active shooter situation. More information will be released when it becomes available.
According to Town-Crier staff members on the ground, the incident happened during the pre-season kickoff classic game between Palm Beach Central and William T. Dwyer High School. There have been unconfirmed reports of at least two people injured.
