Student Injured by Pellet Gun During Baseball Practice at South Jones High School, Investigation Underway as Community Rallies for Safety and Accountability

Laurel, MS – A troubling incident occurred at South Jones High School on the afternoon of April 2, 2025, when a student was injured by a pellet gun during a routine baseball practice. The student, whose identity has not been released, was struck by the pellet while on the field, leading to immediate medical attention and an ongoing investigation.

The Incident

According to law enforcement and school officials, the incident took place around 3:30 PM during a practice session on the school’s baseball field. The team was in the midst of their drills when the pellet gun shot was fired from a distance, striking the student in the upper body. It is reported that the student immediately felt the impact and collapsed, prompting coaches and teammates to rush to their aid.

The injured student was immediately taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where they received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Doctors confirmed that while the pellet did not cause severe damage, the incident has left the student with significant bruising and minor internal injury. They are expected to make a full recovery.

The Investigation

The Laurel Police Department has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are working to determine who fired the pellet gun, where the shooter was located during the incident, and the reasons behind bringing a pellet gun to the practice field.

“The situation is under investigation, and we are working closely with the school district to get all the details,” said Sergeant Ashley Thompson, a spokesperson for the Laurel Police Department. “We are treating this matter seriously and will ensure accountability for those involved.”

Officials confirmed that the pellet gun was not part of the school’s athletic equipment and was brought to the area by an unknown individual. At this time, no arrests have been made, and authorities are following all leads.

School Response

In response to the incident, the Jones County School District has expressed its concern for the student’s well-being and emphasized its commitment to safety on campus.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students, and we are deeply disturbed by this incident,” said Dr. Bethany Carson, Superintendent of the Jones County School District. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities to ensure that justice is served and that such an incident does not happen again.”

The school district has also promised to review its policies regarding safety at school events and to enhance monitoring measures during extracurricular activities to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Community Reactions and Support

The incident has sparked concern among parents, students, and staff at South Jones High School. Several parents expressed their worries about the accessibility of dangerous items like pellet guns near school grounds, calling for tighter security and more supervision.

Emma Richardson, a mother of two students at South Jones High School, shared her feelings:

“It’s alarming that something like this could happen right here at our school. I feel for the family of the injured student, and I’m hoping they recover quickly. This should never have happened, and I trust the school and authorities will do everything to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

The South Jones High School community has rallied around the injured student, with friends and classmates offering emotional support during their recovery. A GoFundMe page has been set up by the school’s PTA to help with medical expenses and provide assistance to the family.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The school district, in collaboration with local law enforcement, plans to increase security measures at the school and ensure that all students are aware of the dangers of bringing any non-school-related weapons to campus.

The incident has also prompted discussions about the need for greater awareness and training surrounding weapon safety, especially in and around school grounds.

In the meantime, the injured student is expected to return to school after a brief period of recovery, and the baseball team has expressed its desire to move forward with the season, focusing on the well-being of their teammate.

The community continues to keep the student and their family in their thoughts as they heal from this shocking and unsettling event.