Silver Spring, MD – Seven teenagers are now in custody after a shooting was reported on Friday afternoon in Montgomery County.
Authorities responded to calls of gunfire at 1:22 p.m. near University Boulevard West and Gable Street. Officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 4th District were informed that a group of teenage males, dressed predominantly in black, had fled the scene toward Sligo Creek Parkway, close to Tenbrook Drive.
To aid in the search, the RAVEN 2 drone was deployed and swiftly identified individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions on the Sligo Creek Parkway Trail, in proximity to Sligo Middle School. With RAVEN 2’s aerial support, officers from both the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and the Maryland National Capital Park Police were directed to the location. The group attempted to escape towards Sligo Middle School, prompting a temporary lockdown of the facility. A perimeter was established by law enforcement, leading to the apprehension of the seven teenagers.
During the investigation, two BB guns and shell casings from a handgun were discovered at the initial scene of the reported shooting. The handgun associated with these casings has yet to be found.
The detained individuals, all juveniles aged between 14 and 15, were taken to the 4th District station. It is anticipated that they will be released into the custody of their parents. It was noted that several of the teenagers are not residents of Montgomery County.