Two Students Shot Outside Oak Park Homecoming Game
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 7, 2023)
Oak Park, MI – Two Oak Park students were shot Friday night outside of Oak Park High School where the homecoming football game was being played against Ferndale. The students are reported to be in stable condition. It is unknown at this time if the shooter has been arrested.
Brandon Jiles, Director of Communications at Oak Park School District, addressed neighbors’ concerns in the Oak Park Neighbors Facebook group, stating:
“Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to everyone concerned about the recent unfortunate incident involving our students. I’m pleased to report that the young men involved are in stable condition. The police are actively investigating the matter. Importantly, this incident was unrelated to the school; it had no connection to any school activities.
“Secondly, I’m proud to share that our students have displayed exemplary behavior this week. The homecoming game was a delightful experience, marked by excellent sportsmanship and no incidents within the stadium. Throughout this year, we’ve witnessed a significant improvement in student behavior, with minimal issues.
“Media, both traditional and social, sometimes unfairly depict innocent children in a negative light. It’s important to acknowledge that no school is flawless, and each one faces its own set of challenges. However, I’m determined to stand up as an advocate for these kids. I’ve witnessed their remarkable achievements, their exemplary behavior, and their eagerness to enjoy an innocent homecoming experience.
“I urge you to keep this generation of teenagers in your thoughts and prayers. The world they are growing up in is vastly different from our own. They face numerous challenges, with an increase in guns, drugs, and negative influences on the streets. They are contending with issues that we didn’t have to confront. Let’s offer them understanding and support, extending some grace as we work together to guide them through these challenges.”
Jiles explained that the district has safety protocols, including
– Employing 11 dedicated security officers stationed at our high school.
– Utilizing Evolve technology, the highest level of security screening, also employed by the Detroit Lions for their football games and the Detroit Police Department for Greektown.
– Maintaining a canine unit that conducts daily rounds to sniff out any potential weapons or drugs on our premises.”
A statement sent to parents by the district states:
“Dear Oak Park Schools Community,
We hope this message finds you in good health. We are writing to provide you with important information regarding an incident that occurred during tonight’s homecoming football game.
Regrettably, there was a shooting incident that took place outside the game involving two students from the Oak Park School district. It is of paramount importance to reiterate that the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities. In response to this incident, the involved students were promptly transported to a local hospital for immediate medical attention.
We would also like to acknowledge the swift and coordinated response of our dedicated teams, including Oak Park Public Safety, Oak Park Schools security, and Ferndale School District security, in addressing the situation. Their teamwork and quick actions were instrumental in handling this unfortunate event.
Currently, an ongoing investigation is underway to gather more details about this unfortunate incident. We remain committed to upholding transparency in our communication with our families and the Oak Park community. As we receive updates throughout the course of the investigation, we will keep you informed every step of the way.
We understand that events like this can be incredibly difficult and emotionally challenging for our students. If you suspect that your child is struggling to manage their emotions in light of this incident, we strongly encourage you to engage in open discussions with them.
It’s important to remember that, despite their growing independence, high school students still rely on the support of their parents. With this in mind, we kindly request that you closely monitor your child’s texts, social media accounts, phone calls, and emails as a means of assessing their social and emotional well-being.
As the investigation unfolds, we are committed to providing timely updates to keep you informed. If you possess any information related to tonight’s incident, we urge you to contact Oak Park Public Safety at (248) 691-7520.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the students and their families who have been affected by this incident. We deeply appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and support during this challenging period. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.”
