PATASKALA, Ohio - A Watkins Memorial High School freshman is dead after a shooting in Pataskala, a spokesperson for the Southwest Licking School District confirmed to 10TV.
In a Facebook post, the district's superintendent called the student's death a "tragic accident."
Pataskala police said they first received a call about the shooting on Granville Street around 12:45 a.m. Sunday.
When officers responded, they found a boy deceased.
Another boy believed to be responsible for the shooting is in custody, police said.
A message from Southwest Licking School District superintendent Kasey Perkins was posted to the district's Facebook page Sunday morning:
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the loss of a freshman at Watkins Memorial High School, through a tragic accident. It is very difficult for all of us to process the death of a young person. It is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions from our community and especially our students.
Monday, a support team of counselors and psychologists from surrounding school districts, will be on hand at the high school and middle school to provide counseling and support to our students.
The district extends our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the families. We will continue to work with all families and students during this tragedy.
Please respect these families and their privacy through this very difficult time.
A 10TV crew saw investigators from the Pataskala Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the scene Sunday morning.
The names and ages of the victim and the person in custody have not been released until family notifications have been made, police said.