New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
School hit by gunfire
Alder says residents live in fear amid gun violence
NEW HAVEN — A classroom window at Achievement First Amistad High School was struck by a gunshot Thursday morning, according to police.
Police spokesman Capt. Anthony Duff said a rear window at the 580 Dixwell Ave. school was hit by a bullet at around 8:10 a.m. No injuries were reported and a school lockdown had been lifted by 10:23 a.m.
The high school is part of the Achievement First charter school network.
Achievement First spokeswoman Amanda Pinto said “a portion” of the school’s students were present in the building at the time of the incident, but officials believe none was in in the classroom at the time of the incident.
“We take very seriously any event in our school that could present a threat to the safety of our students,” Pinto said.
Pinto said the charter school will seek to increase its police presence in the coming days. From discussions with police Thursday, Pinto said the charter network does not believe any student in the building was being targeted by the gunfire.
Pinto said students remained in the building for school following the lockdown.
According to Duff, “The ShotSpotter alert of gunfire originated on neighboring West Hazel Street between Dixwell Avenue and Sherman Parkway.”
Duff asked anyone with information to call the New Haven Police Department at 203-9466304.
School safety coordinator Louis Vega said he was on the other side of the building when the incident took place, and that school officials were working with police to try to determine what happened.
Alder Steve Winter, D-21, said constituents have told him they’re scared to stay in their homes with all the reports of shots fired.
“It’s everywhere,” he said of gun violence.
“Whether you’re in high school at Amistad or a resident of Newhallville, these incidents make you want to leave the neighborhood,” he said. “It’s terrifying.”
He said that, although no one was hurt this time, the increase in gunfire means that more and more people could be be. Winter said he believes the city needs to pressure state officials for more resources for gun violence prevention programs such as Project Longevity.