Memphis high school student shot during gym class

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A high school sophomore arguing with another student shot him during a gym class Monday, saying "It's over now" before handing the gun to a coach, authorities said.

The victim, a 19-year-old senior, suffered at least two gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, police spokeswoman Monique Martin said. The suspected shooter, a 17-year-old, was in custody.

The shooting stemmed from an argument the two students had "in the community" over the weekend, Mitchell High School Principal John Ware said.

"He walked up to him, shot him, and made a statement to the coach that 'It's over now,"' Ware said. The student handed the gun to the coach and made no attempt to flee, he said.

The class was held in the cafeteria, and about 75 other students were in the room at the time of the shooting.

The school was placed on lockdown and parents of students were notified by the district's automated phone alert system, school district spokeswoman Rita Cooper said. Many parents showed up at the 1,050-student school to pick up their children.

It is the second shooting in eight days reported in a Memphis high school. On Feb. 4, a 16-year-old student was shot in the leg in side a classroom during an argument with another student over music. The student suffered non-critical injuries and the suspected shooter was charged.