Wounded teen, 17 — who had gun — charged in shooting at Blake High

A 17-year-old boy hospitalized with a gunshot wound from a fight and shooting Wednesday in Blake High School’s parking lot was seen with a gun during the brawl, authorities say.

The 17-year-old Blake student is charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and several gun charges. Police previously charged 19-year-old Djibia Gombo, of Silver Spring, who is not a Blake student, with first-degree assault, police said.

Blake High School in Silver Spring addresses security concerns following a shooting in the parking lot. News4’s Jackie Bensen reports.

Cellphone video circulated among students captured the sound of a shot during a physical fight about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. School security and the police community engagement officer broke up the fight, which school officials said involved several students.

The 17-year-old, who police say exchanged words with other teens before the brawl, was seen holding a handgun that another teen attempted to take. Police said when a security officer told him to drop the gun, it was placed near the officer but picked up by Gombo as the fight continued.

As Gombo walked away, another security officer told him to drop the weapon, and Gombo allegedly pointed it at the officer before putting it back on the ground, police said. Montgomery County police took Gombo into custody.

The 17-year-old and others involved in the fight got in a car and took the 17-year-old to a hospital, where he was treated for gunshot wounds to the foot and knee, police said.

Detectives spent hours in the parking lot documenting evidence, and a car was towed from the scene.

The shooting alarmed some students and parents, and Blake remained on a hold status for the rest of the school day and opened on a delay Thursday.

Blake made changes to strengthen campus security. Students will not be able to eat lunch outside of the building for the rest of the school year. Outside food deliveries will not be allowed. Staff will take on more responsibilities to strengthen safety.