Daviess County Public Schools has issued a statement after an incident Friday night where a person was shot in the parking lot at Apollo High School after the football game.
The following is the full statement released by DCPS Superintendent Matt Robbins:
We share the concern of our community regarding events that took place on Friday evening, Aug. 27. Following a football game hosted by Apollo High School, four individuals not affiliated with our school or district were involved in an altercation that resulted in the accidental discharge of one shot, which struck a single person. The incident stemmed from a previous altercation that took place elsewhere in our community. The first responders to the scene were two DCPS School Law Enforcement Officers, who quickly apprehended the weapons, detained the suspects and de-escalated the situation.
This incident took place in the east parking lot after the game was over.
Here are some of the precautions that were put into place prior to the game as our district responded to the understandable concerns of our families following unrelated events that took place earlier this week:
- Our law enforcement presence at this event was significantly enhanced. There were nine on-duty officers in attendance to monitor the event.
- Those attending the game were prohibited from bringing bags/backpacks into the stadium.
It is important to reiterate that those involved in this event are not affiliated with Apollo High School or any students or events relating to our schools. The incident stemmed from a previous altercation that took place elsewhere in our community. It is also important to note that the event did not take place within the stadium.
The quick response of our SLEO team, including officers Gary Klee and Tim Gray, ensured an immediate resolution to the situation. There were no injuries to anyone who was not directly involved in the altercation, and that injury involved the accidental discharge of a firearm in the possession of the person who was injured. In addition, other members of the DCPS SLEO team as well as Daviess County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other law enforcement agencies who were on site responded immediately to the situation.
Moving forward, here are the things we are committed to doing to further strengthen and ensure the safety and security of our students, staff and families:
1 – We will maintain an increased presence of law enforcement at games and other events involving large public gatherings.
2 – We continue to review, monitor and make appropriate enhancements of all aspects of safety and security relating to our schools and campuses.
3 – In addition to our exceptional team of highly trained professional School Law Enforcement Officers, DCPS maintains a strong and positive relationship with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Owensboro Police Department, Kentucky State Police and other agencies of first responders.
Here are some things we encourage our parents/guardians and community to do as we work together toward our shared goal of safety:
1 – Remind your child to report any concerns to a trusted adult or call 911 for situations needing immediate attention
2 – STOP Tipline is posted on all DCPS district and school websites, offering anonymous reporting of any situation of concern
3 – Review the definition of terroristic threatening with your child, and make sure they understand the legal consequences of such actions. Bringing a weapon of any kind onto school property is a felony offense and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Information is posted on our district website here:
https://www.daviesskyschools.org/News/terroristicthreateningconsequences#sthash.ZmQILmKu.dpbs
4 – Parents/guardians are always encouraged to keep their contact information (email and phone numbers) updated in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to ensure rapid communication of emergency events.
5 – Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact our school guidance counselors with any concerns regarding anxiety among their students.
The Daviess County Public Schools district remains committed to the safety and security of our students, staff, families and schools as our first priority. We will continue to work with our first responders and community to ensure a safe learning environment for all.
Matt Robbins
DCPS Superintendent
“Kids First”
