Crime
Video shows moments shots fired near Newburgh Free Academy
On Tuesday, a lockout was implemented at Newburgh Free Academy (NFA) after reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the school, according to a statement issued by the district.
The district confirmed that the lockout, initiated as a precautionary measure, lasted approximately 10 minutes.
The incident occurred near the school around dismissal time.
While initial reports indicate shots were fired following an assault, both incidents were partially captured on cell phone video.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries related to the shooting or the subsequent lockout.
In a message to parents and the community, the district expressed gratitude for the swift response from local law enforcement and emphasized its ongoing collaboration with authorities.
“The district is thankful for the quick response of local law enforcement and will continue to collaborate with them to assist in their investigation. The investigation is still ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.”
The quick implementation of the lockout ensured the safety of students and staff while authorities assessed the situation.
The lockout was lifted after it was deemed safe, and normal operations resumed.
The district and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As of now, no further details have been released. Community members are urged to report any relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the value of effective coordination between schools and local law enforcement to ensure safety in the face of potential threats.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.