Teen in Custody After Shooting at Adult on School Grounds

Tangipahoa Alternative School on lockdown as investigation continues

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:34pm

An extreme close-up of a spent shell casing on the ground, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct flash photography.A violent incident at a local school highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring campus safety.Hammond Today

A 13-year-old student is in custody after allegedly shooting an adult outside the Tangipahoa Alternative School in Hammond, Louisiana. The adult was critically injured and transported to a local hospital. The school was placed on lockdown as police investigate the incident.

Why it matters

School shootings and gun violence on school campuses are a major concern for communities across the country. This incident highlights the importance of having school resource officers on site to intervene and prevent further escalation of violence.

The details

According to Hammond Police, the incident occurred around 7:39 a.m. when a school resource officer and police lieutenant responded to the school after the 13-year-old student was refusing to go inside. As the student was being taken home by an adult, the officer heard gunshots and saw the juvenile approaching with a gun. The juvenile was taken into custody for questioning, while the injured adult was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

  • The incident occurred around 7:39 a.m. on April 14, 2026.
  • The Tangipahoa Alternative School was placed on lockdown following the shooting.

The players

Hammond Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is leading the investigation.

Tangipahoa Alternative School

The school where the shooting took place, which was placed on lockdown as a result of the incident.

13-year-old student

The juvenile suspect who allegedly fired shots and is currently in custody.

Adult

The individual who was critically injured in the shooting and transported to the hospital.

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What they’re saying

“This type of violence is senseless and outrageous and sadly underscores why school resources officers are so important.”

— Edwin Bergeron Jr., Hammond Chief of Police

What’s next

The Hammond Police Department will hold a press conference at noon today to provide additional updates on the investigation.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges schools face in ensuring the safety of students and staff. The presence of a school resource officer was crucial in intervening and preventing further harm, underscoring the importance of such programs in promoting school safety.