By: Richard L. Smith
A harrowing incident unfolded in Newark's West Ward in front of West Side High School today, just as students and staff were ending their day.
RLS Media has confirmed that an armed gunman unleashed nearly a dozen shots near the 12th Street side of West Side High causing panic and fear among those exiting the school building.
In the chaos, a 17-year-old male student and a 15-year-old both were seriously injured by the gunfire.
Both victims have been urgently transported to University Hospital for medical treatment, where they are currently being cared for.
The 17-Year-Old is in critical condition.
Authorities report that the shooting occurred in the aftermath of the school day, with the gunman targeting the area directly in front of the school.
Police and detectives swiftly responded to the scene, initiating a significant law enforcement presence.
In a dramatic turn, officers engaged in a foot chase with one suspect while another individual managed to escape the scene at high speed in a dark-colored Audi.
The Newark Police Department has established a massive crime scene, cordoning off several blocks along South Orange Avenue as part of their active and ongoing investigation into the shooting.
The extensive closure and heavy police activity have underscored the severity of the incident as investigators work diligently to piece together the events that led up to the shooting.
Several areas, such as charter schools and daycare centers, are on lockdown.
The community awaits further details, with assurances that additional information will be provided by the Newark Police as their investigation progresses.
The attack has rattled the local West Ward community, prompting calls for increased security measures and a reassessment of safety protocols in the area's schools.
As the search for the suspects continues, many are left hoping for a swift resolution to this act of violence that has disrupted the sense of safety and security associated with educational environments in the city.