Photo by TopTrendReportTv

By TopTrendReportTv

May 24, 2023

A tragic incident occurred outside Oliver Citywide Academy in Pittsburgh's Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood, resulting in the death of a student and the arrest of another. According to Pittsburgh police, the shooting occurred at approximately 7:25 a.m. on Wednesday when students were arriving for the school day. Several gunshots, possibly eleven, were fired along Brighton Road.

The victim, a 15-year-old male identified as Derrick Harris, was found outside the school and was rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away later. Meanwhile, officers at the scene spotted a suspect fleeing with a firearm. The suspect, also 15 years old and identified as Jamier Perry, was apprehended by the police. Perry is now facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide.

By WTAE

Our reporters present at the scene observed a gun lying on the sidewalk, which was subsequently collected by the police as evidence. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this time.

As a precautionary measure, Oliver Citywide students will engage in remote learning until at least Tuesday. Some students who were already inside the school during the incident were safely relocated to Manchester Elementary School, where they will be reunited with their families.

During the investigation, Brighton Road was temporarily closed but has since reopened. The identities of the victim and suspect have not been disclosed yet.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Schools expressed condolences, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the student's family. Our schools are meant to be a secure environment for education. Today, unfortunately, a student on their way to school to learn was denied that safety."

One parent of an Oliver Citywide student recounted her son's experience during the shooting. She expressed a mix of emotions, fearing for her child's safety and feeling anxious about receiving such distressing news.

By WTAE

This tragic incident is not the first act of violence to occur at Oliver Citywide, a school catering to students with behavioral challenges. In January 2022, a 15-year-old named Marquis Campbell was shot near the school as dismissal time approached. Commander Richard Ford reported that two individuals wearing masks approached a school van and fired shots, resulting in injuries to Campbell, who was the sole occupant along with the driver, who escaped unharmed. Two brothers, Eugene Watson and Brandon Watson, were subsequently arrested in connection with the 2022 shooting.

Additionally, in September of an undisclosed year, a student faced charges after assaulting a teacher, who required hospitalization due to the injuries sustained.

When asked about the recent violent incident, Pittsburgh City Police Commander Richard Ford expressed frustration and reiterated their commitment to collaborating with schools. He acknowledged the tragedy that arises from any loss of life due to violence.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey offered prayers for the entire Oliver Citywide community, emphasizing the need to prioritize children's well-being. He lamented the prevailing culture of violence, gun glorification, and the ease with which young individuals can access firearms to seek retribution. Mayor Gainey called for a collective effort to foster a new culture, provide hope, and invest in the future of the city's children, aiming to build a society where bullets and gunfire are not the norm.