Delaware State Police are investigating the discharge of a gun inside the Appoquinimink High School that occurred Monday night during a high school basketball game.
Officials said on February 6, 2023, at approximately 7:16 p.m., troopers responded to Appoquinimink High School, located at 1080 Bunker Hill Road in Middletown for a report of a shot fired.
Two troopers who were working extra duty for a basketball game at the school responded to a hallway outside of the gymnasium where a fight had just occurred. Further investigation showed that a handgun fell to the ground during a large fight.
The gun was stepped on during the physical altercation causing the gun to discharge and strike a wall according to police. The handgun was recovered in the hallway. There were no injuries as a result of the discharged firearm.
The suspects were last observed running from the school towards the football stadium. The number of suspects and their involvement is still being determined police said.
Original Story
Appoquinimink High School officials regarding a reported shooting incident that occurred during a basketball game Monday night in Middletown.
Prior to issuing the statement a video of the game shows players and fans reacting to a sound and scattering. It’s not clear why the video was taken down.
School’s Statement
This evening, during a basketball game hosted by Appoquinimink High, staff became aware of a fight in a hallway outside the gym near a boys bathroom. A team that included two members of the Delaware State Police, administrators from the school, the athletic director and event staff responded.
As adults arrived on the scene, participants in the altercation quickly scattered. However, several individuals voluntarily remained on site for questioning by police.
While searching the area, a gun was discovered on the floor. Police are investigating reports that the gun may have discharged. While there are no reports of any gun injury at this time, the incident is now an active police investigation.
We are deeply saddened by this incident, and thankful that no one was injured.
We wish to express our appreciation to the players, coaches, officials and spectators who quickly followed the safety protocols we practice throughout the year and allowed themselves to be relocated to a secure space while police searched the site. We appreciate their patience as we waited for the all-clear to exit the building.
After an unsettling incident like this, the safety of students and staff is our #1 priority. While the police investigation continues, on Tuesday, there will be an increased presence of law enforcement officials at Appoquinimink High and our crisis response team (school counselors, psychologists, nurses) will be available to meet with students or staff throughout the day.
As always, we will keep you updated. When more information becomes available from the Delaware State Police, we will share it with our families and stakeholders.
Should you have any information about this incident, please contact State Police Troop 2 at 302.834.2630
Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.
