Juvenile Charged With Shooting Near New Bedford High School
A New Bedford juvenile is facing charges following a shooting incident near New Bedford High School last month after classes had ended for the day.
New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira confirmed the shooting to me recently.
"We did have a shooting on December 6 (2022) on Hunter Street at about 4 p.m.," Oliveira said, "No one was struck. We charged a juvenile with the shooting."
Chief Oliveira said the reason for the shooting remains unclear,
"The supposed victim didn't cooperate, and the alleged juvenile shooter 'lawyered up,' so we don't know," he said.
The shooting occurred near the corner of Hunter and Parker Streets near a large apartment building that faces New Bedford High School.
Oliveira said security at the school and in the area where the shooting occurred is generally tight.
"I would say so. We have an officer assigned at the high school and another across the street at Keith (Middle School)," Oliveira said. "Schools also have their own security."
Oliveira said if parents or students have concerns about security at New Bedford High School they should "bring them to the school administration. If their concerns involve any type of potential criminal conduct, they should notify the school resource officer (police officer) assigned to the school."
"If they witness something criminal they should immediately report it by calling 911," Oliveira said.
City Councilor Brian Gomes, who expects to be re-appointed chair of the Council Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods, agreed the area is generally safe.
"I am also confident that the area is secure and the security measures that have been put in place, along with additional actions, will continue to keep that area safe," he said.
The 17-year-old male shooting suspect faces charges that include discharging a firearm, assault with intent to murder, and carrying a firearm without a license.
Police have not released the suspect's name due to his age. Oliveira said he doesn't know if the alleged shooter or the intended victim are students at New Bedford High School.