Five shots fired near Columbia elementary school
Blue Ridge Elementary School went on a short modified lockdown Tuesday morning due to a police incident near the school, Columbia Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said.
Columbia police responded to the 3700 block of Woodland Drive at approximately 10:20 a.m. in reference to a shots fired call, according to CPD spokesman Jeff Pitts. Officers at the scene said the call was made by a school resource officer at Blue Ridge Elementary who heard the gunshots.
Police in a news release said they found five shells near Leeway Drive and Brown Station Road. Two buildings were hit by gunfire but no one was hurt in the incident, the release said. Police said they believe a silver SUV was used in the incident.
Larry Coffer, who lives on nearby Lawnridge Court, said he’s tired of shootings in his area.
“The shootings aren’t as regular as they used to be, but they still happen,” Coffer said.
CPD officers on scene said they believe the shooting stemmed from an incident between individuals and was not targeted at the elementary school.
No one was allowed in or out of the school building on Woodland Drive while police investigated.
“All students are safe and learning continues in the building,” Baumstark said. The lockdown lasted for about 20 minutes, she said.
