A gunman shot and killed a male student at a high school in Tacoma, Washington before the start of classes yesterday, a police spokesman said.

Police had a suspect in custody after the shooter fled the scene, according to Tacoma Police spokesman Mark Fulghum. Police did not have a motive for the shooting, but the suspect and victim were students at Foss High School. The suspect was picked up a few kilometres away from the school and police would not disclose the age or name of the shooter or victim.

School officials evacuated students from the campus and cancelled classes for the day. It was the first day of classes at the high school after a holiday break.

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