Salina Police Department
UPDATE: 11 a.m. Wednesday: The Salina Police Department this morning released additional information about the discharge of a firearm outside Salina South High School. It is as follows.
On 10-11-2022, at school dismissal, a vehicle occupied by several individuals was leaving the west parking lot of Salina South High School, 730 E. Magnolia. Just before turning East onto East Magnolia, an occupant of the vehicle was seen firing a weapon from the passenger’s side of the car in the direction of the school building. No injuries or damage were reported.
A witness provided the police department with vehicle and suspect information. The driver of the vehicle, Tyler Kerr (age 17, South High Student), was located at his residence, and the suspect vehicle was located parked around the corner from Kerr’s home.
Through their investigation, police detectives established probable cause to believe that Elijah Schmidt (age 16, Salina Virtual Innovation Academy) was the person who fired the handgun from the passenger’s side of the vehicle and that Robert Wood (age 15, South High Student) was identified as having possessed the handgun in the vehicle while on school property.
The following charges are being requested:
· Tyler Kerr - Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and Obstructing Apprehension.
· Elijah Schmidt - Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, and Criminal Use of a Weapon.
· Robert Wood - Criminal Use of a Weapon.
Kerr, Schmidt and Wood have been booked into juvenile detention. At this time we have no information to indicate that the handgun used was ever in the school building.
The Salina Police Department takes these threats seriously and will work to identify suspect(s) and make an arrest as quickly as possible when probable cause exists. This is the second example where citizen information has led to the quick arrest of individuals involved in criminal acts committed at Salina South High School. As a reminder, citizen tips are often instrumental in helping clear criminal cases. Parents, please talk to your children about reporting suspicious activity or criminal acts they may be aware of to you, a school official and/or the police.
The police department believes we have identified and spoken to all of the occupants who were in the suspect vehicle. With that said, this investigation is still on going. If you have information relative to this case please call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210.
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UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Wednesday: From the Salina Police Department Facebook page this morning:
The Salina Police Department has taken the alleged shooter from South High School into custody. We have identified and spoken to the other occupants of the vehicle as well. At this time, we do not suspect there are any other persons involved in this incident. We would like to thank the public for all of the information provided. More information will be released later today.
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Public Announcement:
The Salina Police Department is investigating the discharge of a firearm in the parking lot of Salina South High School. The incident occurred at school dismissal today. No one was injured as a result of the gunfire. Salina Police Detectives are actively following up on investigative leads. Please know that the police department is in regular communication with USD305 administration. More information will be released when it becomes available. If you have information relative to this investigation, please call the police department at 785-826-7210 or you can call Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS.