Shooting near Graham high school started with a fight

Police are searching for a third suspect in the Tuesday shooting at Graham-Kapowsin High School that left two students wounded.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Detective Ed Troyer told KIRO Radio’s Ron and Don Show that the shooting started as a fight between two girls. But it escalated.

Deputies arrest second suspect linked to Graham-Kapowsin High School shooting

“The guys decided to meet after school to have a what I guess was an old-fashioned fight in the street opposite of campus,” Troyer said.

The guys exchanged some words, but did not get into a fight. As the car pulled away, Troyer said the passenger in the front seat leaned out of the window and opened fire on the crowd. He fired multiple rounds, striking two students.

“We’re treating him as if he’s armed,” Troyer said. “He has a criminal background.”

A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday and a third suspect was arrested Wednesday morning after officers spotted the alleged getaway vehicle, a green Chevy Impala, parked outside his home.

Both victims in the shooting were rushed to Tacoma General Hospital in critical condition where they underwent surgery. They are expected to survive. They ran back to the high school after being shot. One student was found in a parking lot near the football field. The other ran to a locker room.

Troyer commended the parents and students at Graham-Kapowsin High School for doing all the right things following the shooting.