Atlanta 1/20/2011 12:46:30 AM
News / People

Police: Shooting at California High School Was An Accident

California authorities say Tuesday’s shooting at Gardena High School was an accident. A 17-year-old senior has been arrested in the incident. Police say the teen had a loaded, automatic pistol in his book bag. The boy dropped the backpack on his desk, causing the gun to fire.

"He literally dropped his knapsack on the desk, and it went off," said incoming Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent John Deasy.

Two students – one 15-year-old girl and one 15-year-old boy, were hit by one bullet. The girl is in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head. The bullet grazed her skull. The boy is in stable condition with a neck wound.  

Gardena High School was placed on lockdown while authorities searched for the 17-year-old, who fled his classroom after the gun went off. Police say the boy will likely be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

Gardena High School, which is located about 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, has 3,100 students.

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