NOBLESVILLE, Ind. –Prosecutors say they won’t be releasing information about a suburban Indianapolis student who allegedly shot and wounded a 13-year-old classmate and a teacher until charges are filed.
Hamilton County Prosecutor D. Lee Buckingham said Tuesday in a statement that the investigation into Friday’s shooting at Noblesville West Middle School is ongoing and Indiana law protects the privacy of juveniles accused of crimes and limits what information can be released.
He says authorities cannot confirm the suspect’s identity or describe the alleged offense until a charging petition is filed.
Buckingham says that when a petition is filed against a juvenile for “an alleged act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, only then may very limited information be released.”
It’s unclear when any such charges might be filed.
The suburban Indianapolis middle school remains closed four days after a teacher disarmed the student.
While other Noblesville students returned to class Tuesday, Noblesville West Middle School remained closed aside from offering counseling for students and staff shaken by Friday’s shooting.
Noblesville police say officers have been posted in all district schools to “offer … reassurance” for students during the final week of classes of the school year. Noblesville is about 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis.
Science teacher Jason Seaman is credited with tackling the student accused of shooting and seriously wounding classmate Ella Whistler. She remains hospitalized in Indianapolis.
Seaman was shot but not seriously injured.
Prosecutors say the accused student shooter could appear in juvenile court this week.
