‘I was really scared.’ Gunfire erupts outside Newark’s West Side HS; 2 teens injured
Police say a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old were injured in the shooting Tuesday afternoon.
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Two teens were shot outside of West Side High School in Newark’s West Ward Tuesday afternoon, according to the city’s public safety director. The search is still underway for the person who fired those shots.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced on social media that he was briefed on the violence that left a 17-year-old and 15-year-old injured. The two teenagers were still in the hospital as of Tuesday night.
Murphy offered his support to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and the city, mentioning that every student deserves to be safe at school.
Police were trying to figure out who fired those bullets as students were being dismissed from school around 2:45 p.m.
“I heard gunshots and after the gunshots, all of the people started running into the (school) building. I was really scared. My heart was beating really quickly, so I rushed into the gym to make sure I was safe,” said student Bakary Sidibe.
A spokesperson for the city confirmed with News 12 that two teens were shot just steps away from school grounds.
The 17-year-old had been upgraded to stable condition, but his injuries are extensive. The 15-year-old is also stable.
News 12 was told a third person was also injured while running away from the scene but was not struck by a bullet.
As parents got word of the incident, many began rushing to the scene to be reunited with their children.
“My son calls me frantically. I could hear it in his voice and his tone just to say that he’s okay, that he followed his instincts, and he ran. So the next question was where are you right at this moment?” said parent Michael Alvarado.
Newark School District officials say their primary concern is the safety and well-being of their students and staff.
Baraka says he's working with local agencies to ensure the safety of the children and families in the community.
