Newport News, Virginia, shooting: 6-year-old boy in police custody after shooting teacher in non-accidental shooting, police chief says



CNN
 — 

A 6-year-old boy is in police custody after he shot a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, Friday afternoon, according to Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew.

“The individual is a 6-year-old student. He is right now in police custody,” Drew said. “We have been in contact with our commonwealth attorney and some other entities to help us best get services to this young man.”

Students and police gather outside of Richneck Elementary School after a shooting, Friday, January 6, 2023, in Newport News, Virginia.

During a news conference Friday evening, Drew said the female teacher – who is in her 30s – was shot inside a classroom and added that “this was not an accidental shooting.”

Drew says there was an altercation between the teacher and the student before a single round was fired.

The teacher’s injuries are considered life-threatening at this time, Drew said. Earlier Friday, Drew said the teacher was in critical condition.

Richneck Elementary School will be closed Monday, according to Newport News Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. George Parker.