In Poughkeepsie, New York, two teenagers fired guns outside a Poughkeepsie High School. A 13-year old with a semiautomatic pistol and a 15-year old were later arrested after fleeing on foot. Several shell casings were found near the school and several vehicles were hit.
A short time later, a 19-year old, apparently the victim of an accidental gunshot, drove his car into a tree. A 19-year old and 17-year old were picked up in connection with that incident, also having fled the scene. The three teenagers have apparently told Poughkeepsie police conflicting stories about what happened.
It is unclear if the incidents are related. However, after lockdown procedures were implemented Monday, school officials closed Poughkeepsie High School on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to officials, at least the following safety enhancements are planned for the school:
- A law enforcement presence in the school during arrival and dismissal.
- Additional temporary staff assigned to the school.
- Purchasing “technology to strengthen the school’s interior safety posture.”
- Developing new safety protocols.
The incidents follow two weeks after a 48-hour stretch on Halloween weekend in which at least eight people were injured in seven Poughkeesie shootings and one stabbing.
Sources:
Katelyn Cordero, “Poughkeepsie Cancels Wednesday High School Classes, Updating Security Plan After Shooting” Poughkeepsie journal (November 16, 2021).