Shooting Sends 4 Nearby New London Schools Into 'Secure Building' Mode: Police

NEW LONDON, CT — Four New London schools were put into a "secure building" mode after shots were fired at a nearby vehicle, Wednesday morning.

At 11:08 a.m., police received a report of a shooting in the area of Hempstead and Franklin streets. A description was provided of a male suspect running from the scene after shooting at a vehicle, police said. Police canvassed the area and searched for the individuals involved, with the assistance of a Waterford Police K-9.

Police said they found evidence supporting the initial report in the area of Hempstead and Franklin streets. Members of the Investigative Services Division responded to collect evidence and process the scene. The incident does not appear to be a random act, police said.

The Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, Jennings Elementary School, the Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) as well as the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication (ISAAC) school are in close proximity to the area of where the shots fired incident occurred, police said.

"Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of all students and staff the schools were requested to be put into a secure building, which was subsequently lifted at approximately 12:04 p.m," police said. "The investigation into the shooting remains active. A secure building is when students and staff continue classes, however the campus/school is locked preventing individuals from entering and/or leaving. A lockdown of a school is when students and staff remain in place within the school building."

Other areas secured by officers included the two New London Court houses, as well as the New London Senior Center.

Anyone with information is urged to call New London Police Department at 860-447-5269, ext. 0 or anonymous information can be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).