Student Injured by Pellet Gun During Baseball Practice at South Jones High School

Ellisville, Mississippi – A routine after-school baseball practice at South Jones High School took a concerning turn when a student-athlete was struck by a pellet gun projectile fired from a nearby residence. The Jones County School District (JCSD) confirmed the incident in a public statement, ensuring parents and the community that the situation is under investigation.

Incident Details: A Pellet Gun Disrupts Practice

According to JCSD, the student-athlete was injured by a ricochet or errant shot from a pellet gun fired off school grounds. The incident occurred while the South Jones High School baseball team was practicing, and law enforcement officials were immediately notified.

The Ellisville Police Department (EPD) later confirmed that the shot was fired by a juvenile and struck another juvenile victim. The injured student sustained a non-life-threatening wound to an extremity, meaning the injury likely affected an arm or leg.

Key Details of the Incident:

• The pellet gun was not on school property and was never brought onto school grounds.
• The shot originated from outside the school’s baseball facility, meaning it was fired from a nearby residence rather than the practice field.
• Law enforcement, parents, and school officials were immediately notified once the incident occurred.

Community Concerns & School District’s Response

In a statement, the Jones County School District reassured parents and students that they are prioritizing safety and working closely with authorities.

“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as they review this matter.”

While pellet guns are often considered non-lethal weapons, they can still cause serious injuries, especially when fired irresponsibly. Concerned parents have expressed frustration over the lack of awareness surrounding pellet gun usage and safety in residential areas near schools.

One parent, speaking anonymously, shared their thoughts:

“It’s a relief that this wasn’t more serious, but it could have been. The fact that a student was hit at practice means we need to talk about safety, responsibility, and consequences.”

Law Enforcement Investigation & Next Steps

The Ellisville Police Department has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat stemming from this incident. However, the investigation remains active.

Once authorities complete their review, the case will be forwarded to the Jones County Youth Court for further action. The court will determine whether the juvenile responsible for firing the pellet gun will face consequences or if further intervention is necessary.

EPD has not released the names of the juveniles involved, as they are minors. However, they are encouraging parents to speak with their children about the dangers of pellet guns and the potential consequences of misusing them.

Law Enforcement Statement:

• EPD has ruled out any ongoing public safety threats.
• Investigators are working to determine if negligence or reckless behavior played a role.
• The case will be reviewed by the Jones County Youth Court.

The Broader Conversation: Pellet Gun Safety & Responsible Ownership

Though pellet guns are often viewed as recreational or training tools, they can still cause serious injury if misused.

Many states, including Mississippi, have laws restricting pellet gun usage, particularly concerning where they can be discharged and how they are handled by minors.

This incident has reignited conversations about whether pellet gun safety should be more strictly enforced in residential areas, especially near schools and parks.

Some community members are calling for:
✅ Stronger awareness campaigns on firearm safety and pellet gun regulations.
✅ Stricter parental supervision of minors using pellet guns.
✅ Potential zoning restrictions on the use of pellet guns near schools and public spaces.

One local resident, commenting on the incident, said:

“Kids don’t always understand the risks of these things. Maybe this is a wake-up call for parents to be more involved in making sure their kids use them safely.”

Looking Ahead: Ensuring Safety for Students & the Community

For now, the injured student is recovering, and the Jones County School District continues to cooperate with law enforcement.

The outcome of the Jones County Youth Court’s review will determine whether further legal consequences are necessary for the juvenile who fired the pellet gun.

Key Takeaways from the Incident:

🔹 A student-athlete was injured by a pellet gun shot fired from a nearby residence.
🔹 The injury was non-life-threatening, but the incident raises concerns about safety near schools.
🔹 The case is being investigated by Ellisville Police and will be reviewed by the Jones County Youth Court.
🔹 No ongoing threat exists to students or the general public.

As the investigation continues, parents, educators, and law enforcement officials are using this as an opportunity to discuss safety, responsibility, and the impact of reckless actions—even when using non-lethal weapons like pellet guns.