A woman was shot and killed in a school in the state of Washington, USA, the police are currently looking for the accused who fled after committing the crime. Police have identified the suspect as a former officer accused of sexually abusing a child.
The West Richland Police Department said the incident happened at 3:23 p.m. Monday at Williamville Elementary School in West Richland.
“An adult female was pronounced dead at the scene outside the school. There were no other injuries.”
In a statement, the police department said the shooting is being treated as an isolated incident, and said the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Elias Huizar, is currently at large.
The department confirmed to the Washington-based NBC Right Now news channel that Huizar is a former police officer who was charged in February.
His arraignment was set for Monday, court documents show.
In light of the incident, the school released a notice on its website stating, “School is canceled for students and staff at William Wiley Elementary on Tuesday, April 23. All other schools in the Richland School District will remain open.” “
The Richland School District sent out several messages to parents after the shooting, “During dismissal today, a shooting occurred at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland. Suspect remains at large. We will be sending schools placed on critical lockdowns. UPDATE.”
“We are currently in discussions with the West Richland Police Department to come up with a plan to reunite the students with their families as soon as possible… All West Richland school activities and events have been canceled. The city Practices and activities at schools located within Richland have been moved indoors,” it added.
Confirming the death, the Richland School District said in a separate statement that “we have received a report that an adult has been shot outside William Wiley Elementary. Schools remain on lockdown”.
“The West Richland Police Department is aware of the identity of the offender and their residence has been placed on lockdown. The offender remains at large. The district is working on reunification efforts.”