CINCINNATI — Woodward High School has canceled Wednesday classes after two students were shot near the school shortly after Tuesday dismissal, Cincinnati Public Schools said.
CPS previously said that class would resume Wednesday with additional security and counselors.
In a statement, CPS said the high school canceled classes "to support the mental well-being of students and staff."
The district said staff would be working with a crisis team and prepare for students to return.
The cancellation comes after two teens, ages 16 and 17, were shot just before 4 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Reading Road and Seymour Avenue, Cincinnati police Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said. Cunningham said classes at Woodward High School had just been dismissed when the shooting took place.
Cunningham said the shooting came at a particularly dangerous time of day around a school.
"School was dismissed just prior to this shooting so you know we have a lot of children out here on their way home leaving school which should be a fun time for them enjoying this beautiful day," he said. "They should not have to be in fear that gunfire might be going over their head."
The teens, both male students, were taken to local hospitals and are in stable condition. The intersection was closed due to police activity but has been cleared.
Woodward also canceled all Tuesday after school activities.
In a statement, CPS said the students were shot at a bus stop near the school by "what appears to be a drive-by shooter."
Kim Smith said she heard the shots from her home just down the street on Seymour Ave.
"It's really bad, and it's really dangerous out here," Smith said, "and it's fitting to get hot so you already know that there's about to be more shootings and more crime."
Cunningham warned of a possible increase in violent events in the coming summer months, and called on people from the community to report those who shouldn't possess firearms before a shooting occurs.
Area community leaders like Pastor Ennis Tait, founder of Ennis Tait Ministries, said he was prepared to answer the call as he's already worked to reduce youth violence for more than 15 years.
"We're in a serious time when it comes to youth gun violence," Tait said.
He said he's watched from his community center, a space designed to provide safety, positivity, and a family environment for boys and girls in the area, as trauma has impacted young people nearby and has gone largely unaddressed.
"As a result, the only way they know how to resolve issues is what they've learned from other people or the streets or video games or whatever," Tait said, "and that's guns and extreme violence."
Tait called on all members of communities across the Tri-state, faith leaders, government officials, parents, and more, to address youth mental health issues near them before they escalate to the point of violence.
Police said the shooting suspect's vehicle is an older model maroon four-door vehicle. WCPO will update this story with more information when it is available.
Watch Live:
