CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Police have arrested the teen they believe shot a student in the shoulder at a north Charlotte school early Wednesday.

The shooting happened after an argument in the parking lot of Crossroads Charter High School, near the intersection of North Tryon Street and Old Concord Road, around 10 a.m.

The 18-year-old victim was taken in emergency traffic to Carolinas Medical Center. He underwent surgery in the afternoon.

The principal said students had just been dismissed for the day after state-mandated testing when the shooting happened. They were brought back inside after the incident.

“My teacher had said we weren't allowed to go home at the moment and we had to stay there,” said student Asia Williams.

Police hoped students and staff members could help them identify those involved.

Just minutes after the shooting, officers took two suspects into custody in the Hidden Valley neighborhood. Antonio Japez Wells, 17, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and felony possession of a weapon on school grounds.

At this time, the driver of the car Wells was riding in has not been charged. He was questioned and released from custody. Police said the district attorney’s office will determine whether to prosecute the teen.

Authorities said both suspects attend Crossroads Charter High School. A third student may also have been in the car with Wells and the driver, but that person also has not been charged.

Police haven't identified the victim, but Ronnita Holt said he's one of her best friends.

"It happened out of the blue. No one was expecting it because he's just so kind. I hope he's OK though, it's just sad something like this had to happen," she said.

Crossroads Charter High School is a tuition-free publicly-funded facility that primarily teaches high school students at risk of dropping out of school. It is not part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system. About 300 students are enrolled.