Update: Suspect arrested in Denali Montessori parking lot shooting

(KTUU)
Published: Oct. 3, 2018 at 10:06 AM AKDT
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Update: 4:08 p.m.

Anchorage Police have arrested a man in connection to a shooting in the parking lot of Denali Montessori Elementary School.

According to APD, 26-year-old Laquinton Robbins was charged with assault and misconduct involving a weapon.

APD says the incident happened after Robbins dropped off a student at the school and then got into an altercation with the victim. Robbins allegedly shot the victim, ran away from the scene. He was arrested nearby shortly after.

Robbins' vehicle was impounded as evidence. He was questioned by police and taken to the Anchorage jail.

Original story: 10:06 a.m.

One person was shot and taken to the hospital after a reported shooting in the parking lot of a downtown Anchorage elementary school before 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

MJ Thim, spokesperson for the Anchorage Police Department, said the shooting at Denali Montessori Elementary School happened following a dispute which he called "domestic in nature," between the male victim and the male suspected shooter.

Thim said that the investigation into why the two men were in the parking lot, and if they have any connection to students or the school, is still ongoing. Police said in a later release that the victim was found at the front door of the school, but did not go inside.

The suspect has been taken into custody. Police say the isolated shooting did not target students, staff or the school.

According to APD, the shooting took place in Denali Montessori Elementary School's parking lot on the 900 block of Cordova Street.

The male victim, who has not yet been identified, was shot in the upper body and taken to the hospital. Police say a man was taken into custody and they're not looking for anyone else.

Thim said officers think it's an isolated incident and the school and surrounding area was secured. No students were involved or injured, APD said in a statement.

Kelly Stonke rushed to the school to pick up her two grandchildren following the shooting and bring them home. Stonke said that she's glad her grandchildren are safe but has never felt so scared for their safety.

"I got a phone call from my husband and my daughter in law that there was an active school shooter over here at the kid's school so I had to come," said Stonke.

The Anchorage School District released their own statement on Monday mornings shooting.

Dear ASD families and staff,

We are all ASD and a family together, collectively working to keep our children safe each day in our schools. Regrettably, I need to notify you of an incident that occurred in the parking lot of Denali Elementary School this morning.

Anchorage Police Department reported the following, “A shooting occurred in the 900 block of Cordova Street. One victim was shot in the upper body and transported to a local hospital. One person is in custody and not looking for anyone else at this time. Officers believe this is an isolated incident.”

Please know, officers have secured the area and the school. Students and staff are safe inside and the perpetrator in custody.

We appreciate the work of APD, our school administrators, and staff to keep our children safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Deena Bishop

ASD Superintendent

This is a developing story and will be updated.