DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Davenport Police Department confirmed on Friday afternoon a 12-year-old boy died in a shooting in the 1300 block of Marquette Street Thursday.
Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski said 12-year-old Devell Johnson, Jr., died from gunshot wounds and another juvenile victim was treated for gunshot injuries at a nearby hospital before being released.
Johnson was identified as a 6th grade student at Jefferson within the Davenport School District.
Scroll down to see the statement from the Davenport School District's superintendent.
Davenport police originally responded to reports of gunfire in the area Thursday just before 3:40 p.m. Officers found two juveniles with gunshot injuries and took them to a nearby hospital.
According to a press release from Davenport Police, a group of four people, which included three juveniles and an adult man, were biking in an alley between 13th and 14th streets near Marquette Street. Then, a car stopped and a person shot at the group several times, the press release said.
Sikorski said the shooting was not a random act and that there are currently no suspects in custody for the shooting.
Sikorski asked anyone with information about the shooting to call Davenport Police or submit a tip with Crimestoppers.
The Davenport School District released the following statement about Devell Johnson:
"On behalf of the entire Davenport Community School District, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Devell Johnson, who was a 6th grader at Jefferson.
"It is without a doubt that our students and staff will need support at this time. The District has mobilized our Crisis Response Team, made up of counselors, social workers, mental health teachers, Family Resources staff, and others, to help our community process this loss and express their sadness.
"Additional supports are focused at Jefferson as well as other schools where Devell and his sibling have attended. However, we understand that this is a community loss, which is why extra supports are available to any student, staff member or school that may be struggling. If you or anyone you know are struggling and need support, you can access the Family Resources Crisis Line at 866-921-3354. If you have a child in our schools, you can also reach out to your school and the school counselor or social worker can provide additional support and resources.
"The number one priority of the Davenport Community School District is to maintain a safe, diverse and enriching learning environment for all students. As a unified community, we denounce all forms of hatred, violence, racism, bullying, and harassment and will always do what is in the best interest of our students’ safety. As a District, as individuals, organizations, and families, we must commit our time, resources, and energy to doing our part to make our community a safer place to live and grow. May this tragedy be a turning point in the urgency to unite as a community for the betterment of all."
Sincerely, TJ Schneckloth Superintendent