The suspected teen gunman in a shooting that left two students injured outside Graham-Kapowsin High School last week is being charged as an adult.
Ronald Ackerson, 16, is charged by the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office with two counts of first-degree assault, drive-by shooting, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“We have zero tolerance for gun violence at or near our schools,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist in a statement. “We’re committed to protecting our youth.”
Prosecutors say Ackerson's grandmother turned him in after seeing his photo on the news and out of concern for his safety.
The shooting happened following a planned fight outside the school grounds Dec. 5. Prosecutors say it was prompted by an argument involving another argument involving two other boys.
Prosecutors say Ackerson and two boys, including one of those who was set to fight, pulled up to the scene in a green Chevy Impala to meet up with the other boy involved in the dispute. There was a verbal argument, but no physical fighting occurred. When the boys got back into the Impala and drove off, Ackerson reportedly leaned out the passenger window and fired several shots.
Two students not involved in the argument were hit by bullets. The 17-year-old victim was hit in the abdomen and is stable after surgery. The 16-year-old victim was shot in the leg.
“It’s unlawful for unsupervised juveniles to possess handguns,” Lindquist said in a statement. “This case is another example why. If the defendant didn’t have a gun, this would just be another minor high school skirmish.”
The other two boys in the car were held at juvenile hall after their arrests but were released Monday with no charges filed, but prosecutors say that is pending further investigation.
KING 5 News typically does not name juveniles suspected in crimes unless they are charged as adults.
