WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Waynesboro Police Department has released more information about the Westwood Hills Elementary School shooting on Wednesday, September 2 after further investigating.

WPD says they have worked more with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to collect and analyze evidence, gather information, conduct interviews, and complete numerous follow-ups.

Police released the following statement:

“The suspect drove to the area and parked at Ridgeview Park. He walked to the school property and forced his way in by shooting through a rear door and breaking through it. He was armed with a 20-gauge shotgun.

At this time, there is no evidence that anyone else was directly involved in Wednesday’s incident or that any other parties, co-conspirators, or others besides the suspect were at or near the school at the time to commit violence. The suspect appears to have acted alone, although further investigation may reveal information that changes this stance.

We are still working through the means mentioned earlier to confirm the suspect’s activity, motive, and actions leading up to and during the event.

There is no connection or relationship between the suspect and the staff member who was injured.

School Resource Officers were among the first officers to respond to the school. They arrived about a minute and thirty seconds after the initial notification.

The quick-thinking and heroic actions of Westwood Hills staff in initiating lockdown procedures upon immediate notification on Wednesday morning undoubtedly saved lives. Combined with the quick response by law enforcement, everything further minimized the opportunity for the suspect to commit any further violence.

For questions about school procedures or student enrollment, please contact Waynesboro Public Schools.”

Police note that the community can expect a continued increase in the presence of police in and around Waynesboro schools through the weekend and into next week, when everyone returns to the classrooms after the Labor Day holiday weekend. No active threats are driving this activity. This is a proactive, support-focused initiative.