Student shot and injured at Warner Robins High School after altercation in bathroom, suspect in custody

WARNER ROBINS — On Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement flooded the area of Warner Robins High School after a shooting. 

Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton said in an interview the shooting occurred around 2:15 Wednesday afternoon. He said the Senior Resource Officer on scene, Dept. Cody Nelson, found a blood trail leading to a classroom. An altercation in the bathroom on G Hall is where the shooting occurred, and Moulton said there was only one shot fired and one student injured. 

The victim was transported to a Macon area hospital and underwent surgery for their injuries. Moulton said the victim is in stable condition and expected to survive. 

“[Nelson] immediately rendered aid to the victim and applied two tourniquets to the area of the gunshot wound and notified our dispatch of the situation,” he said. 

Through video surveillance, the shooter, Denzelle Willis Jr., a ninth grade student at Warner Robins High School, fled south on South Davis Drive. Law enforcement made contact with Willis, Jr. and he was taken into custody without any further incident. 

Law enforcement has a team of six investigators working the case and no further information has been released at this time. 

Moulton thanked all who helped during the active situation at the school, most notably the 911 center dispatchers, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Fire Department, Warner Robins Police Department, Warner Robins Fire Department, Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office. 

“The response from the law enforcement and first responder community could not have been better as well as the partnership with the Houston County School District,” he said. 

The Houston County School District released a message by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Rogers to the District’s Youtube channel. He said in the video that Wednesday’s event has raised concerns and questions moving forward. Rogers said the school district will remain determined to understand how a firearm entered the school. 

“In the days ahead, we will continue to work with law enforcement to know exactly what happened and are carefully reviewing our safety procedures and current security measures,” he said. 

Rogers said protecting students and staff is their number one priority. 

Warner Robins High School Principal Dr. Brett Wallace said in a statement that Wednesday was a hard day for the school and entire community. Wallace’s statement said Warner Robins High School is closed and will be open back for students on Monday, Aug. 17. 

“We want our students to have the opportunity to be at home, surrounded by family and take the time they need to process, heal and care for one another,” Wallace said. 

City of Warner Robins officials also released a statement. Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said that yesterday does not define the City of Warner Robins and that moving forward, there needs to be serious conversations about the safety of children. 

“Complacency is acceptance and this moment demands more than our thoughts and prayers; it requires shared commitment and open dialogue to ensure every child can learn in a safe environment. Our children deserve nothing less,” Patrick said. 

Police Chief Wayne Fisher said in a statement that what happened on Wednesday showed what it means to be a “unified public safety family”. 

Fire Chief Albert Wright said in a statement the response from law enforcement and first responders was an example of teamwork and he is proud of everyone who had answered the call that day. 

This is still a developing story. The HHJ will provide updates when new information is available.