Teenager arrested following shooting outside Pittsburgh's Perry High School
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after nearly a dozen shots were fired outside Pittsburgh Public Schools' Perry High School on Tuesday.
According to court paperwork, 17-year-old Micaiah Wheeler of Forest Hills has been arrested and is facing nearly 30 charges in connection with the incident, including eight counts each of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment.
Police were called to the high school early Tuesday morning after bullets hit the building, causing broken windows and damaged brickwork.
Police say Wheeler is accused of firing shots at approximately eight people who were standing on the steps of the school before taking off down Perrysville Avenue. Wheeler allegedly was standing on the sidewalk when he opened fire, and investigators found shell casings and a laser attachment for a gun at the scene.
Court documents show investigators used surveillance video to follow the suspected shooter and obtain a clear photo. A school security officer and a witness from the shooting identified Wheeler as the shooter.
Wheeler was located Tuesday evening in the city's Hill District, where was arrested and taken into custody. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail.
Bail for Wheeler was denied and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for next week. According to Pittsburgh Public Schools, Wheeler was a student in the district but not at Perry and is no longer in the district.
"It's a sad state of affairs when anyone chooses a firearm for conflict resolution," MAD DADS Pittsburgh President George Spencer said.
He said steps need to be taken long before a gun enters the picture. His group works with communities to address issues before they become a situation like Tuesday.
"Engage people long before it would be to the point of a firearm in the hope it won't escalate to a firearm," Spencer said.
Spencer said to prevent further situations like this, the community has to work together. People need to know their neighbors and offer help and guidance, he said.
"It's amazing how many times someone will choose to open up if they are not having a good day or if there is an issue," he said.
The school operated on a remote learning schedule on Wednesday.