A woman and a 14-year-old boy were killed in a shooting Tuesday evening in Forest Hills after the suspect was turned away from a game of soccer.

The shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. near the playground at Southwest Elementary School at the intersection of Rumsey Street SW and Oakland Avenue SW.

Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg said a group of juveniles were playing soccer at the park when the suspect approached and asked to join. The suspect was turned away, which led to a verbal fight. Trigg said the suspect then pulled out a weapon and shot the 14-year-old teen.

A woman in her 30s who tried to defend the teen during the fight was also shot. Officers responded to the scene and found both victims on the property of Southwest Elementary School.

Officers attempted life-saving measures on the teen but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was transported to a hospital where she was also pronounced dead.

Trigg said it is believed the woman and teen are related. Juveniles who witnessed the shooting described it as horrific.

The suspect fled the scene but police located him at a home and arrested him. Police were not able to share the age of the suspect.

Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby sent a letter to staff and families after the shooting. The district initially said there would be school Wednesday but later announced that Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle High will be closed Wednesday. All other GRPS schools will remain open.

The district said crisis teams and school therapists would be available to any students who needed support following the incident. The district stated the shooting took place well after dismissal and was not connected to any school activities.

The Grand Rapids Police Department's Major Case Team is investigating the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 616-456-3380. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Silent Observer.

Sources:

• FOX 17 Online
• WZTM 13
• Grand Rapids Public Schools