Crime & Safety

Ferndale Schools Will Remain Open Friday, District Says

The shooting that took place at Taft Education Center Thursday evening will not result in a Friday school closure.

The released a statement via its Facebook page Thursday evening stating that schools will remain open and on schedule for Friday.

The news was released after a shooting took place Thursday in front of , one of the buildings for the district's alternative education program. .

Ferndale Police said that the victim was alert when they put him in the ambulance.

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Collins addressed the media Thursday evening and said that though the incident is under investigation, police believe it might be a "robbery gone bad."

The schools statement in part read: "Thank you to everyone for a smooth incident response this afternoon.

"Everything the district has planned for such an incident was put into place today. Everyone, including staff, students, parents, the Ferndale Police, and our administrative team worked very well together to keep our students calm, safe and secure this afternoon."

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At the time of the shooting, Ferndale Superintendent Gary Meier issued a lockdown of all the school buildings in the district while the police completed a search of the surrounding neighborhood. That search was unsuccessful.

The gunman was described as a young black male wearing tan pants and boots, a dark hat and standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall.

"At this time, the school district and Ferndale Police are continuing their investigation," the statement concluded.

Read more about the shooting .

Stay tuned as we continue coverage of the incident.


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