PS 203 Shooting – – One guy has been detained by the NYPD in connection with the Tuesday shooting death of a 19-year-old Department of Education employee. Javier Oates, a 19-year-old resident of Brooklyn, is accused of murder, unlawful possession of a handgun, and unlawful use of a firearm. According to authorities, the 19-year-old substitute teacher was shot at the junction of Avenue M and Utica Avenue at 2:50 p.m. At Brookdale Hospital, he is still in serious condition.
On Wednesday afternoon, police said that they now have one person of interest in connection with this shooting in custody. There have been no detentions. Parents claim that the principal sent them a note informing them of the offense. The news shocked many families. “I’m just shocked right now. I don’t know how to react,” said one parent.
New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks reacted to the incident, stating in part, “I am absolutely heartbroken and outraged that one of our dedicated employees was senselessly a victim of random gun violence. Our educators, our students, and our families deserve better than living with the threat of gun violence.”
He also promised counseling services for the students at P.S. 203, along with an increased police presence around the school. Mayor Eric Adams weighed in as well, saying, “The rivers of violence bringing guns into our communities didn’t begin in our city, but they will end here.”
Police describe the attack as intentional and targeted. However, they have yet to find a motive and are still looking for the shooter. The suspect, who police say fled the scene in a dark-colored Sedan, was wearing a red ski mask, red sweatsuit and black jacket.
