Riverhead District Talks Security Measures After Teen Dies In Shooting

RIVERHEAD, NY — After Riverhead High School student Preston Gamble, 15, was shot and killed in Calverton last week, the school district outlined its safety procedures.

A statement sent to Patch from the Riverhead Central School District said officials are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its students, faculty and staff and provide opportunities for support and guidance.

On Thursday, "as a precaution to maintain the safety of our students commuting home, Calverton Hills bus routes were diverted to Riverhead High School," the district said. "There, students were picked up by parents and guardians with proper photo identification."

Counselors have been made available for all students, faculty and staff, officials added.

The district will continue to follow and review security protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff, officials said.

In addition, ongoing discussions continue with the Riverhead Police and Southampton Police regarding measures that can be taken to enhance safety in areas surrounding district schools and on routes typically travelled by students coming to and departing from schools, the district said.

"This partnership is crucial to address those incidents not occurring on campus, such as yesterday's tragic occurrence," the district said Thursday. "Towards that end, police presence has been increased near all district schools. We will of course cooperate in any way we can to assist these law enforcement agencies in creating a safer environment for our students as well as community members throughout Riverhead."

Riverhead Town Police Chief David Hegermiller told Patch that while the shooting did not take place in Riverhead's jurisdiction and was not the police department's investigation, "We do have a presence at the school."

Suffolk County Police homicide squad detectives said Gamble was involved in an altercation between two groups of teenagers and young adults on Hill Circle in Calverton when a male shot him at 3:55 p.m., authorities said.

Gamble was transported by family to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Suffolk County Police said, during an interview at the scene with multiple media outlets, Suffolk County Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer reported that the altercation began as a fist fight, and then, shots were fired.

Riverhead Superintendent of Schools Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore sent a message to Blue Waves families Wednesday: "It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform you this evening that a Riverhead High School student was a victim of an act of violence that occurred in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student's family and friends at this time."

Counselors throughout the district were available beginning Thursday for all students, faculty and staff as needed, he said, adding that the district would continue to provide updates on support measures available.

The shooting marked the third incident involving students in recent weeks.

Riverhead High School was also put on a "hold-in-place" recently after two students found bullets in the hallway, officials said.

The incident took place just four days after a Board of Education member apologized and then resigned after backlash about comments she made expressing concerns about crime and student safety.

According to Riverhead Town police, a 22 caliber bullet was recovered from a 14-year-old student by a security guard at the school, police said.

There was no evidence that a rifle or any weapon was present on school grounds, police said.

Superintendent Dr. Augustine Tornatore wrote a letter to families in the district about the incident; he said a student found the bullet and immediately brought it to the attention of building administration.

"At no point were any students, faculty or staff in harm’s way," Tornatore said. "Safety remains our highest priority, and the district will continue working with Riverhead [olice on this investigation."

The lockout left some students terrified and parents questioning security procedures at the school.

The "hold in place" was the second incident reported involving Riverhead High School following the resignation of BOE Vice-President Laurie Downs.

A 16- year-old boy was also attacked and cut with a knife on his way home from Riverhead High School Tuesday, police said.

The incidents took place after Downs resigned following a sea of heated opposition to statements she made at a recent civic association meeting about her concerns about possible gangs.

Her words, "I don't want us to become a Brentwood," caused enormous backlash, with members of both the Brentwood and Riverhead communities speaking out at what they called "hate-filled" and "racist" comments.

A meeting was held at the school with many Brentwood representatives and advocacy groups stating that her apology was "not enough" and change needed to happen.

Anyone with information on last week's shooting is asked to contact Suffolk County Police homicide squad detectives at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain anonymous.