Eighth-grader shot in front of Jackson middle school

Kate Royals | The Clarion-Ledger

UPDATE 9:51 a.m.: The boy is still in critical condition, according to JPD. No arrests have been made.

A 14-year-old boy was shot multiple times in front of a Jackson middle school on Thursday afternoon, officials say.

The student was in front of Rowan Middle School on Ash Street when he was shot and is now in critical condition, said Jackson Police Department spokeswoman Colendula Green said. Police received a call around 3:30 p.m.

The boy, whose name has not been released, was with a female student who was not shot.

"We're looking for a Chevy Impala, light blue. The suspect was last seen in his vehicle after shooting the victim. He got into the vehicle and was traveling east on Ash Street," Green said.

Green said JPD is investigating and does not know any possible motive at this time.

Jackson Public School District spokesperson Sherwin Johnson had no additional details about the incident, but said the district was extremely saddened.

"I can tell you that we are very saddened by this act of violence and are asking the community to pray for our scholar's swift recovery and that we have full confidence that the Jackson Police Department will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident," Johnson said.

JPD is encouraging anyone with information to contact the police.

This story is developing and will be updated when more information becomes available.