The shooting happened at Mount Tabor High School on the city’s northwest side. Police officers and Forsyth County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene at 12:07 p.m. ET., Winston-Salem Police Department Chief Catrina Thompson said at a news conference.
“One student was located with a gunshot wound,” she said fighting back tears. “Medical responders began life-saving measures and the injured student was transported to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.”
He was identified as William Chavis Raynard Miller Jr., according to the sheriff’s office Twitter page.
The suspect, who authorities think is a fellow student, was taken into custody without incident, according to Forsyth County public affairs officer Christina Howell.
Authorities offered no details about the suspect, a possible motive or what might have led up to the incident.
“Many high schools in the area are also on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. There has not been another incident but it is out of an abundance of caution,” Howell said.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the lockdowns were lifted, Thompson said.
A student at the school told CNN the school went into lockdown after an announcement over the intercom. About 10 minutes later, police with rifles came in yelling, “Police department, put your hands up!”
Officers moved the students to another location in the school, telling them they could bring their cell phones, but: “Everybody stand up. Leave your bags in place.”
Gov. Roy Cooper said earlier in a statement that he has been briefed and is ready to provide any necessary support.
“We must work to ensure the safety of students and educators, quickly apprehend the shooter and keep guns off school grounds,” he said.
CNN’s Raja Razek, Steve Almasy and Paul P. Murphy contributed to this report.