The shooting was reported around 7:22 a.m. Friday after a 911 caller said a person who had been shot was inside of In & Out Restaurant.
The caller said the male had been shot in the stomach and came inside and sat down, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch records.
The shooting victim, later identified as Hale, was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A potential suspect has been identified with images from cameras in the area, said Dayton police Assistant Chief Eric Henderson. A gun that may have been used in the shooting has been recovered.
While the suspect is at large, officials do not believe there is a threat to the public.
“This senseless event is hard for us all to comprehend,” Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims said. “Incidents like this are exactly why we are involving the community in reducing violence and building a peaceful city. We have zero tolerance for violence in our neighborhoods, downtown and across the city.”
In a statement Friday night, Lawrence said, “The Dayton Public School District is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a 12th-grade student at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Hale was a valued member of both the Dunbar family and the broader Dayton Public Schools community. He will be greatly missed by students, staff, and all who knew him.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the student’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. A crisis support team was on-site at the school on Friday and will remain available to support any students who need assistance in the days and weeks ahead.
“Students seeking support outside of school hours are encouraged to contact 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
I will be visiting the family of the student on Saturday. This situation is truly disheartening to Dayton Public Schools and the entire Dayton community. We will continue to work closely with the City of Dayton and community partners to address and prevent the needless violence that continues to impact our youth."
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