Gunfire At School: Cops Say The Shots Followed A Fight On Campus

NEWBURGH, NY — Gunfire broke out at a Hudson Valley school at dismissal time on Tuesday afternoon.

At 2:24 p.m., City of Newburgh police were called to the Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus, following a call for gun shots fired. In addition to gunfire, callers reported that a large fight was in progress.

The fight reportedly involved several students and at least one former student.

Police say the fight spilled into the roadway at Fullerton Avenue. As the altercation was coming to an end, a former student pulled a gun and chased students onto the main campus near the South Street and Fullerton Avenue school bus driveway, before firing several shots into the crowd, according to investigators.

An Orange County Sheriff's Office School Security Deputy (SSD) assigned to the school responded and reported seeing the suspect still holding the firearm. The deputy engaged the suspect who then fled on foot, leading him on a foot chase.

Responding City of Newburgh police officers joined in the pursuit and caught up with the fleeing suspect approximately two blocks from the scene of the shooting. Police were able to take the suspect into custody and recover the loaded handgun used in the shooting.

There are no reported injuries from this incident, according to law enforcement officials.

The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Kevin Gaspar, a Town of Newburgh resident. Gaspar is being charged with several felony offenses, including weapons charges and reckless endangerment.

The City of Newburgh Police Department detectives are investigating this incident. Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Edgar at 845-569-7558.