Police: St. Paul student pistol whipped another student, may have accidentally shot himself

Mara H. Gottfried, Pioneer Press
Updated ·1 min read
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A St. Paul high school student pistol whipped another student at school and may have accidentally shot himself after leaving, according to police.

It happened at Gateway to College, a St. Paul public school for students to finish their high school diploma while earning college credits. Classes are held at St. Paul College on Marshall Avenue.

Officers were called just before noon Tuesday and surveillance video showed two students talking in the school’s entryway when one “all of a sudden pulled out a handgun and began to strike the victim multiple times in the head,” said Sgt. Mike Ernster, a police spokesman.

A magazine fell from the gun and the 16-year-old suspect retrieved it from the ground, put it back in the gun, concealed the weapon and walked out of the building, Ernster said.

The 18-year-old victim followed the suspect outside, but stopped when security arrived. He didn’t have visible injuries, according to Ernster.

The suspect walked across Marshall Avenue. A security officer saw him across the street and heard what he thought was a gunshot.

“The suspect then walked away with a different stride as if limping” and it’s possible he accidentally shot himself, Ernster said. He had not been found as of Wednesday morning and police said they’re investigating.

Gateway to College Principal Darren Yerama wrote to parents, saying there was an altercation involving students inside the building and one had a weapon.

“Students are often aware of situations before adults, so please remind your student that it is important for them to immediately report concerns to a trusted adult,” Yerama wrote. “This helps us take quick action to ensure the safety of all students.”

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