17-year-old shot in the leg at playground across from high school on Staten Island, police say
ST. GEORGE, Staten Island (WABC) -- A 17-year-old was shot in the leg on Thursday at a playground across the street from Ralph R McKee Career and Technical Education High School on Staten Island, police say.
Police said the person was shot after exiting Curtis High School just before 1 p.m. and was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in stable condition.
Police said the shooting is believed to have stemmed from a school-related dispute.
The suspect fled on foot and was described as wearing a green sweatsuit, according to police.
In a statement, the Department of Education said:
"While this incident took place off campus, this is a highly concerning consequence of the proliferation of guns in our city. Our students deserve to be safe in their neighborhoods, and we are working closely with the school to ensure students have the resources they need, including support from external violence interruption organizations."
The shooting comes a day after a loaded gun was recovered inside a student's backpack at Curtis High School.
Police said a 17-year-old had a loaded 0.45 caliber firearm in his backpack on Wednesday.
Officials say they found the gun after another student voiced their concern.
In a statement, authorities said: "Everyday, NYPD Schools Safety works diligently to protect our children. Yesterday, a student brought a gun to school. Our agents, working closely with school administration and 120th Precinct removed this firearm before it entered the school."
According to the NYPD, the student who had a gun in their backpack is suspected to be a gang member.
Meanwhile, at a school in Queens, two guns were recovered from student's backpacks inside Flushing High School on Thursday afternoon.
Police said a school safety agent notified authorities that they recovered two firearms at 12:27 p.m.
A 15-year-old and 17-year-old each had a firearm in their backpacks, police said.
Police said the 17-year-old got into a dispute with a school safety agent and when taken into custody, a gun was discovered in his backpack after a search.
The school safety agent then searched the backpacks of other students associated with the teen and found a gun in the 15-year-old's backpack.
They were taken to the 109th precinct where they are expected to be charged as juveniles and released to their parents.
The school had an "organized dismissal," and floors were dismissed one by one, police said.
The Department of Education released a statement saying, "The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are grateful to our NYPD School Safety Agents who worked quickly to deescalate, recover both weapons, and ensure that our buildings are safe. The school followed all procedures, and we are working closely with NYPD regarding follow-up actions."
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