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Two suspects in custody after shooting near Graham-Kapowsin High School

Two students have been shot near Graham-Kapowsin High School in Graham, Washington.

Pierce County Sheriff tweeted that they believe the shooting occurred just off school grounds. The two male victims then ran back to the school campus, where they were found and transported to Tacoma General Hospital, according to Detective Ed Troyer.

As of Wednesday morning, two suspects were in custody and officials were still searching for a third according to the sheriff's office.

The wounded students were in surgery late Tuesday afternoon and were expected to survive, according to Troyer.

All other students were safe and being reunited with family.

Troyer said authorities were not able to speak with the victims before they were transported to the hospital, but that they have a good idea of the events leading up to the shooting and are investigating motive.

Pierce County Sheriff posted on their Facebook page that 911 callers reported a fight near the school grounds on Eustis Hunt Road East right before shots were heard.

Troyer said the shooting appears to be the result of an altercation between people who may have known each other. “That part of the investigation is still continuing," Troyer said. "There are different rumors out there. Something about a football game, something about possible gang ties, something about a pre-determined fight. We're looking at all those because it wouldn't be prudent not to, but we're not narrowing down what we think the motive was or who the suspects are until our detectives do some more investigating and some confirming."

Troyer said they believe the two victims were students of the high school, but the shooters were not.

The shooters were suspected of fleeing the area in a green vehicle.

Graham-Kapowsin is part of the Bethel School District. Frontier Middle School, Graham Elementary School and Nelson Elementary School were also locked down during the initial investigation.

A statement from the Bethel School District said Graham-Kapowsin High School will have extra security on hand Wednesday, as well as additional counselors.

Graham is located about 10 miles south of Puyallup with a population of approximately 25,000, according to a 2015 Census estimate.

Derek Wang contributed to reporting.

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