Crime
14-year-old LaJuan Swopes killed after shooting outside STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School in Ferguson
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 14-year-old has died and another juvenile remains in serious condition following a shooting Tuesday evening in the parking lot of STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley in Ferguson, authorities confirmed.
A 13-year-old suspect is currently in custody.
According to the Ferguson Police Department, the incident occurred as attendees were leaving a track meet that began earlier in the day at approximately 4 p.m.
The event, hosted at the school, involved participation from approximately 20 schools.
Police responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot area and located multiple victims.
Early Wednesday, officials confirmed that one of those victims, a 14-year-old LaJuan Swopes, succumbed to their injuries.
Another juvenile, whose age has not been publicly released, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
Authorities have taken a 13-year-old into custody in connection with the shooting. No additional details regarding charges have been released at this time.
Ferguson Police spokesperson Patricia Washington stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, emphasizing that the situation was quickly contained.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District confirmed that none of its students were involved in the incident.
In a statement, district officials expressed concern over the proximity of the violence to school grounds:
“We understand that situations like this can feel unsettling, and we are saddened to have something happen so close to our schools. We are grateful to our local law enforcement partners for their quick action. The safety of our students and staff will continue to be our top priority.”
Investigators have not yet determined what led to the shooting.
Authorities indicated that they are reviewing social media activity as part of efforts to establish a possible motive.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.