A 15-year-old Dunbar High School student is recovering after undergoing surgery following a shooting incident near his school. Baltimore Police Department (BPD) confirmed that the student, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds, is in stable condition after the surgery, but details regarding the shooter and the motive remain unclear. The incident is yet another reminder of the violence affecting young people in Baltimore.
Emergency Response and Initial Details
On the afternoon of the shooting, a newly released 911 dispatch audio revealed the tense moments as authorities responded to the scene near 540 North Caroline Street, close to Dunbar High School and the National Academy Foundation. According to the audio, the victim was found on the steps near the schools, suffering from three gunshot wounds—one to the neck, one to the abdomen, and one to the right leg. BPD and school police arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting, which took place around 3:20 PM, approximately 30 minutes after Dunbar High School had dismissed for the day. The victim was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery, where he was stabilized.
Police Investigation and Search for Suspect
While the police work to piece together the events leading to the shooting, they have provided limited information regarding the identity of the suspect or suspects. Witnesses reported seeing a young male with a gun running from the scene toward Washington Street and provided further descriptions of three individuals seen fleeing in various directions. Officers are actively searching for anyone connected to the incident, and Police Commissioner Richard Worley assured the public that a substantial amount of video footage, witness accounts, and surveillance data would aid the investigation.
Authorities have not confirmed if the suspect was also a student or if the violence stemmed from a specific altercation. Commissioner Worley and his team are canvassing the area, searching for ballistic evidence and reviewing security footage from nearby buildings and businesses to identify the shooter.
History of Violence at Dunbar High School
This latest incident at Dunbar High School is part of a troubling trend of violence involving students. Over the past year, the school has been affected by multiple violent events, including one in December where a student was found with three loaded firearms on campus. In another incident, a student accidentally discharged a weapon on school property, injuring himself. Additionally, a student was arrested in the school parking lot for charges related to off-campus murders. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety in and around Baltimore schools and underscore the need for effective prevention strategies.
Statements from School and Law Enforcement Officials
Clyde Boatright, president of the Baltimore City Schools Police Union, commented on the shooting and emphasized the role of armed officers in protecting students. He noted that, under Maryland law, officers were permitted to carry firearms and respond promptly to this type of incident. His statement underscored the importance of a well-prepared school police force, particularly given the recent history of violence affecting students.
Baltimore officials are deeply concerned about the recurring violence among young people in the community. “No one wants to see their kids shot and hurt,” a resident commented in response to the latest incident, calling for immediate action to address the violence that has impacted Baltimore youth. Both school authorities and law enforcement are focused on finding ways to improve safety and reduce the risks posed by gun violence in schools and surrounding areas.
Community Appeals for Information
The Baltimore Police Department has urged the public to come forward with any information that may help identify those responsible for the shooting. The hope is that witnesses or community members will aid in the investigation, providing additional insights that could lead to an arrest. As the police continue to gather evidence, they are relying on witness reports, dispatch logs, and surveillance footage to reconstruct the events surrounding the shooting.
Summary and Ongoing Efforts
The shooting at Dunbar High School has left both students and community members shaken. While the 15-year-old victim’s recovery is a relief, the incident highlights the persistent issue of gun violence involving Baltimore’s youth. Authorities are determined to prevent further tragedies through continued investigation, community engagement, and increased efforts to address the causes of violence in and around schools.
