High School Parents Raise Concerns After Shootings

In the wake of the third shooting at or near James Monroe High School in less than a year, several dozen parents concerned about the safety of their children converged on the school Tuesday, with hundreds more telephoning to seek assurances.

“They want to know what’s being done,” said Assistant Principal Thane Opfell.

Meanwhile, school police and LAPD anti-gang patrols were beefed up at the school where two students, ages 15 and 17, were wounded Monday.

The shooting occurred about 10 minutes after classes ended at Nordhoff Street and Haskell Avenue. Dozens of students were waiting to cross the street.

An 18-year-old suspected gang member, Alex Elias, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and additional suspects were being sought, police said.

Elias is not believed to be the trigger man, but was part of a group of young men who had been fighting with one of the victims before the shooting, said Det. Ken Crocker of the LAPD’s Devonshire Division. The second victim is believed to be a bystander.

Croker said detectives have a lead on the identity of the shooter.

The 15-year-old was in stable condition after undergoing surgery for an abdomen wound. A bullet also grazed his head, Crocker said. The 17-year-old student was treated for a wound to the shin and released.

Crocker said there was no evidence as yet that the victims are affiliated with gangs.