Major Case Squad activated after two shot during high school graduation
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case has been activated after two people were injured in a shooting at the Show Me Center Sunday afternoon.
A person of interest is in custody at the Cape Girardeau Police Department.
“We have one person in custody, a person of interest. We always keep an open mind and follow where the evidence takes us, but right now we just have one,” said Lt. Rick Schmidt with the Cape Girardeau Police Department.
People attending the graduation heard what sounded like gunfire.
“A single shot,” said Lt. Schmidt. “One casing is what we found. Two people received gunshot injuries from that one shot.”
The Cape Girardeau Police Department received multiple calls regarding gunfire inside the Show Me Center at 2:33 p.m. on May 19.
The graduation was halted. Authorities evaucated the Show Me Center.
School Resource Officers with the Cape Girardeau Public School District were on-scene for high school graduation. They detained a person of interest and rendered aid to two victims.
“Individuals that were here were here for a reason. It’s high school graduation,” said Lt. Schmidt. “What caused the altercation or fight on the concourse on the upper level, I don’t know yet. I’m sure we’ll find out.”
Officers with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, Southeast Missouri State University Department of Public Safety, Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jackson Police Department, and ATF responded to the scene to assist in building security and crowd control.
The two victims were taken to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Lt. Schmidt says there were inured in the “lower extremities.”
No students or staff members were injured, according to Superintendent Dr. Howard Benyon.
“We’re collecting evidence. We’re preserving evidence. We have to keep an open mind,” said Lt. Schmidt. “Yes, I said there was one person, right now, of interest in custody, but that doesn’t mean we’re not searching for more. We have to keep an open mind and let the evidence tell us where to go.”
The graduation ceremony will be rescheduled at a later time.
School leaders canceled classes for all Cape Girardeau Public School students on Monday, May 20. Cape Central students who attend the Career and Tech Center will not report for their blocks. All afterschool activities, including Cub Club, athletic practices and any other club or organizations are canceled on Monday.
“We apologize for the inconvenience but appreciate your understanding as we focus on supporting our staff members during this time. We will assess the remainder of the school week tomorrow and send you more information as decisions are made,” said Superintendent Dr. Howard Benyon in a post on the school’s Facebook page Sunday night.
The Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case has been activated. Witnesses to this shooting are encouraged to contact the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad:
- 573-335-6621 (CGPD Business Line)
- 573-339-6313 – Anonymous Tip Line
- Text “CAPEPD” to 847411
