Baltimore school shooter used broken down shotgun

BALTIMORE, Maryland (CNN) -- A 15-year-old Baltimore high school student has been charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder and assault.

Police say Robert Gladden, Jr. shot and critically wounded a classmate Monday, August 27th on the first day of school.

Police Chief Jim Johnson explained during a press conference Tuesday how the teenager managed to get a shotgun into Perry Hall High School.

"The suspect in this case brought a broken down shotgun in pieces that could be reassembled. He also brought 21 rounds of 16-gauge seven-point-five shot and a bottle of vodka to school with him. We know at this time, he was able to consume several sips of alcohol. We do not believe he was impaired or intoxicated," Johnson said.

Authorities say Gladden, Jr. managed to fire two shots in the cafeteria as he was being taken down by school staff.

One of the shots struck a 17-year-old classmate in the back.

As of early Tuesday afternoon, the student was listed in critical condition at the hospital.

Related stories: