Gunman takes dozens hostage at Wisconsin high school

November 30th 2010

A gunman took a classroom full of students hostage at Marinette High School in Marinette, Wisconsin on late Monday afternoon, officials said.

Marinette Police Chief Jeffrey Skorik said police responded to the school after a 911 call was received at 3.48 p.m. local time. He said 23 students and a teacher are believed to be inside the classroom.

Skorik said investigators have interviewed the parents of the hostage-taker, who was not immediately identified by authorities. However, police are still unsure what his motives are.

"At 3:48 pm a call was received at Marinette County Communications/Dispatch from a Marinette High School administrator that there was an armed student holding a classroom hostage," said Kathy Frank, a spokeswoman for the Marinette County Emergency Management office. "Police are on scene."

The police chief said that no shots have been fired and the gunman is believed to be carrying a handgun. No injuries were immediately reported, although authorities have not confirmed the condition of the students.

Michael Arnolt, a senior at the school, said he was at the school when the incident began. They were told to go to the library when they heard a 'loud bang'. "As we went we heard a loud bang," Arnolt said, adding that he was not sure if it was a gunshot or something else.