2 teenagers injured, 1 critically, in shooting near high school in Newark
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two teenagers were injured in a shooting near a school in Newark on Tuesday afternoon.
Officials say the shooting was reported near West Side High School on South Orange Avenue around 2:45 p.m., but did not occur on the school grounds.
A 17-year-old was said to be in critical, but stable condition, and a 15-year-old was said to be stable. It is believed at least one of the victims is a student at the school.
Both victims were taken to University Hospital for treatment.
A third victim suffered a non-shooting-related injury while running away from the scene.
"We are working with Public Safety and the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery to ensure the children and families in that community are safe," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. "We will increase presence and work with the school to continue to eliminate violence."
Officials with the school board released a statement following the shooting, which they say happened after school dismissal.
"The NPD has launched an investigation and we are cooperating with law enforcement authorities. Our primary concern remains the safety and well-being of our students and staff," the school board said.
Few other details were released.
Governor Phil Murphy offered his support to Mayor Ras Baraka and the city of Newark
"I've been briefed on the shooting of two teenagers outside West Side High School today in Newark," Murphy said in a post on X. "We're coordinating closely with local law enforcement and have offered our support to Mayor @rasjbaraka and the @CityofNewarkNJ. Every student deserves to be safe at school."
This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call the Police Division's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.
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