The Delaware State Police are investigating an accidental shooting that occurred this morning at ASPIRA Charter High School in Newark, leaving one man injured.
Officials said on April 10, 2025, at approximately 7:02 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a shooting at ASPIRA Charter High School, located at 750 Otts Chapel Road, Newark. Upon arriving, troopers discovered that a 41-year-old man, who was a school bus driver and member of the Culture & Climate Team, had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg after his firearm, which was concealed in his clothing, accidentally discharged while inside the school.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the firearm, which was concealed in the school employee’s waistband, discharged unintentionally due to how it was handled or manipulated police said. The incident took place in a school hallway while children and staff members were present. Fortunately, no one else was injured. The school’s constable rendered aid to the school employee, who was ultimately transported to an area hospital by EMS.
Breaking Report
Newark, DE – Emergency personnel responded to ASPIRA Academy’s West Campus at approximately 7:05 Thursday morning following reports of a shooting incident at the school located at 750 Otts Chapel Road in Newark. According to initial reports, the incident involved an accidental discharge of a firearm and there is no active threat to students or staff.
In an email sent to parents, the school confirmed that a staff member sustained a gunshot wound. The individual was treated on-site before being transported to Christiana Hospital via Trooper 4 for further medical attention. The identity of the employee and details surrounding the circumstances of the discharge have not been released. First State Update has learned the staff member was wounded in the leg
Multiple parents from both ASPIRA Academy and Newark Charter School contacted First State Update early Thursday morning expressing concern after hearing unconfirmed reports of a shooting. School officials later issued a formal statement to parents verifying that the discharge was accidental and involved only a staff member. The school said that all students were safe and accounted for.
Emergency responders, including police and medical personnel, were dispatched immediately to the scene and remains an active investigation. ASPIRA Charter High School administration is cooperating fully with authorities and continues to monitor the situation read a portion of the statement.
“We want to reassure you that all students are safe, and there is no ongoing threat or danger to our school community,” the school stated. Officials added that updates would be shared as more information becomes available.
A follow-on email sent to parents said that once the situation was stabilized, parents could pick up their children. It’s unclear if that process has begun.
The Delaware State Police are handling the investigation