ST. PETERBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating after they say someone shot into a classroom at a church preschool on Thursday.
Police say no children or adults were injured in the shooting, which happened at Allendale Methodist Church. At least one bullet got inside the classroom, according to police.
Authorities were notified shortly after 3 p.m. local time, according to a press release.
Police say eight children were in the classroom where the shooting happened. They say 47 children in total attend the school.
Police say the investigation is active, but the shooting appears to be random.
Allendale Methodist released this statement on Facebook.
This afternoon around 3 pm, what police say appears to be a stray bullet came through one of our preschool classrooms. Thankfully, no children, teachers, or staff were injured.
Our teachers immediately took the children to the chapel, locked down the campus, and called police. Officers arrived shortly after the incident and are now conducting their investigation. At this point, we don't have any information from the police on where the bullet came from but they do assure us that there is no ongoing risk. Given that the bullet fell just inside the window, it appears to have been fired at a great distance, and not be a targeted shooting, according to the police.
All of our parents have been notified and are coming to pick up their children now. The school will be closed tomorrow. Out of an abundance of caution, the St. Petersburg Police will be providing additional patrol and security.
We are extremely grateful that no one was injured and appreciate the fast action of our teachers, staff and the St. Pete Police to keep everyone safe.
This story was originally published by WFTS in Tampa, Florida.
