WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A 15-year-old reportedly has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident Thursday morning in Freeport that led nearby schools to be placed on lockdown, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said deputies responded to Stella Drive after a 911 call was received at 7:44 a.m.
According to the WCSO, a perimeter was quickly established, and assistance was requested from the Walton Correctional K-9 Team and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit.
As a precaution because of the proximity to the incident, Freeport Learning Center and Freeport Elementary School were reportedly placed on lockdown.
The WCSO said the 15-year-old suspect was arrested at about 8:36 a.m. on South Jackson Street after reportedly emerging from a wooded area and running south across U.S. Highway 20.
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According to the sheriff’s office, investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident connected to a domestic dispute involving people said to have known each other.
The WCSO said one person was injured during the incident.
The juvenile is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, tampering with a victim, tampering with physical evidence, resisting without violence, possession of a firearm by a minor, and criminal mischief, said the WCSO.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect was transported to and booked into the Walton County Jail.
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The Walton County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Walton Correctional K-9 Team and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission K-9 Team for assisting with the arrest and search efforts.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
