13-year-old shot at Oakland school, juvenile in custody

A 13-year-old student was shot Monday afternoon at an Oakland secondary school, and officials have taken a juvenile suspect into custody, authorities said.

Officers responded about 1:30 p.m. to Madison Park Academy on Capistrano Drive and found the teen, who was not identified, with a gunshot wound, according to the Oakland Police Department.

“Officers were able to quickly and safely take the shooter into custody as well as provide medical aid to the student,” Oakland Police Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong said during a briefing.

It was not immediately clear whether the person taken into custody was also a student at the school, which teaches grades six through 12. Armstrong said a firearm was recovered at the campus.

“The city of Oakland continues to be plagued by gun violence,” Armstrong said during a news conference that was intended to address six homicides in the city over the last four days. “Sadly, gun violence is impacting our schools as well.”

Candace Keas, a spokesperson for the Oakland Police Department, said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Alameda County Sheriff’s Lt. Ray Kelly said deputies also responded to the school, helping families reunite with children. He said the scene had been “stabilized.”

Keas did not release the age of the suspect or information about the extent of the 13-year-old’s injuries.

“Firearms are overwhelming our community,” Armstrong said. “It’s going to take all of our efforts to reduce gun violence in Oakland.”

About 800 students attend Madison Park Academy, part of the Oakland Unified School District, according to its website.

In a statement late Monday, school district officials said their hearts were with the injured student.

They did not say whether the suspect was also a student.

“Please know that because this incident involves a minor, and due to the ongoing police investigation, the school and the district’s ability to answer questions will be limited or prohibited,” the statement said. “It is also unlikely that we will be able to clarify or correct rumors while the investigation is still underway.”

The campus will open Tuesday, and district officials said they “are intensely focused” on providing the highest support and security possible for students, employees and the school community.

“School and district behavioral health and safety staff will be actively providing support to students and staff on Tuesday and beyond,” they said.

The officials said they will work with staff and community partners to address violence in their schools.