Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
HARVEY, La. (WGNO) — There’s a heavy police presence near West Jefferson High School in Harvey on Thursday, May 23.
According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, around 12 p.m. an 18-year-old male student was shot across the street from the school.
It’s unknown what led to the shooting, but an investigation is underway.
The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening wounds. His condition has not been released, according to Captian Jason Rivarde.
Rivarde adds that no other students were hurt during the incident and that everyone was able to get off the campus.
Thursday marked the last day of school for students.
We are aware of a shooting earlier today outside of West Jefferson High School. While an active investigation is ongoing, we are working on site and cooperating fully with the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office. During the time of the shooting, the school was placed on lockdown immediately and following all district safety protocols. After the school received clearance to start dismissal, students were released for dismissal. We urge anyone with information related to this incident to contact JPSO. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and JP Schools will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation of this matter.
Jefferson Parish Schools
The JPSO later announced that 17-year-old Denis Castro-Andrade was arrested in connection with the shooting.
Castro-Andrade faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, possession of a weapon on school grounds and possession of a weapon under 18.
Stay with WGNO as we learn more.
Anyone with information about the shooting can call the JPSO’s Juvenile Section at 504-354-5300 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
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