US: Shooting incident near Las Vegas middle school, at least one shot; police search for suspect

At least one adult was shot, injured andtaken to the hospital after a shooting incident insuburban Las Vegas in the state of Nevada, United States, on Monday (May 8). Officials are looking for the person who began shooting neartheEd Von Tobel Middle School, reported the Associated Press.

"This was not an active shooter," said CaptainNoel Roberts of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, during a briefing outside the middle school. He also reported that the incident took place just before 12:40 pm (local time) and no students were injured.

The law enforcement present at the scene, as per media reports, also said that it seems like an isolated incident andthey had not identified a suspect.

Shortly after the shooting, the principal sent a letter to the parents telling them thatall students were safe in their classrooms after one person was struck by gunfire on campus but outside the school building, as per AP. Furthermore, the school has been placed under lockdown dueto a police investigation, saidLeonardo Amador, principal of the middle school.

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"The safety of our students is the number one priority at Von Tobel Middle School. As always, we want to keep you informed of important issues happening within our school community. The school has been placed on a hard lockdown due to a police investigation. Students are safe in their classroom. We will provide additional updates as information becomes available," said Amador as quoted byFox5Vegas.

The condition of the adult injured was not immediately clear. However, theLVMPD said an adult male staff member was struck by gunfire and taken to University Medical Center, reported local media.

It was later confirmed that the staff member was acampus monitor by theEducation Support Employees Association, A campus monitoris reportedlysupposed toensure school safety by patrolling the school.

Clark County School District Superintendent Jesus Jara said "Thankfully, no students were injured in today’s incident at Von Tobel Middle School, and our hearts are with our staff member and their family as we pray for a speedy recovery."

"The school has been cleared by law enforcement and there are no additional injuries at this time. CCSDPD (Clark County School District Police Department)is coordinating a controlled release of students. The suspect is still outstanding," said the LVMPD, in an update.

According to local media reports, at leastthree schools in the area were on lockdown, including two nearby elementary schools. The police have alsoadvised people to avoid the area if possible, as the suspected shooter remains at large.

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