DALLAS — School officials said gunshots were fired near the Woodrow Wilson High School football field at around the time of school dismissal Tuesday, but no one was injured.
Woodrow Wilson is located in the 100 block of South Glasgow Drive in East Dallas, near Abrams Road.
The incident happened as students were being dismissed from school, according to a statement from Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Shots were fired outside of the football field, on the southeast side of the school building.
Dallas ISD police responded to the shooting, and they were still investigating Tuesday evening what happened and who fired the shots.
The Dallas Police Department said a 911 caller reported that "random gunfire was heard within the area." Dallas ISD police were handling the case and didn't need assistance, DPD said.
Jennifer Rosner’s daughter was nearby when the shots were fired.
”The gunshots went off 10 feet from where she was and she literally ran for her life -- as did a lot of other kids,” Rosner told WFAA.
Rosner said this isn't the first time something like this has happened at the school, but added that the school has sent out letters each time it happened.
DISD sent more officers to patrol around the school Wednesday after this latest incident, but some parents say it’s just a temporary fix.
"The last time this happened a few weeks ago, there was a police officer present -- and then the next day they were gone,” Rosner said.
DISD trustee Dustin Marshall posted the following statement on Facebook:
”This afternoon at dismissal, shots were fired outside of the Woodrow Wilson High School football field. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, and the Dallas ISD Police immediately responded to intervene. Right now, police are actively investigating the incident. And all individuals responsible for the disturbance will receive the appropriate consequence.
For the last several weeks, I've been a part of a group of folks working on how to address growing violence at the school and the adjacent park. We've involved DISD Police, the school PTA, DPD Police, the Park Board and Park Staff, the City Council, Local Park Groups, and the school administration to work on solutions that will improve safety. Clearly, we still have a long way to go. If folks have tactical suggestions, please feel free to email me at dustinmarshall@dallasisd.org.The safety of our students is our top priority.”
Woodrow Wilson principal Michael Moran also sent parents a message saying, "we know news of a weapon near a learning environment is unsettling, and we would like to take a moment to remind our students and families to always be vigilant.”
Rosner said there are fights after school almost on a daily basis, and some students are scared to go to class.
DISD told WFAA it is investigating the latest shooting, but declined to answer questions on the record about it.
Rosner and other parents told WFAA the district and police need to send a stronger message that they are watching the situation, and that violence won’t be tolerated.
"There is no security, and you hope your kid makes it to the car," Rosner said. "That’s the way we feel about it."