Las Vegas NowArrest Made in Shooting Near High School in Las Vegas

Arrest Made in Shooting Near High School in Las Vegas

A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a Palo Verde High School student near the campus. The suspect is facing one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder and four counts of discharging a firearm from a vehicle -- all felonies.

The shooting happened near Alta and Town Center. Four people fled the scene after the deadly shooting. The violence unfolded after school let out. The victim, Christopher Privett, a 9th grader, was walking down the street with friends when he was shot people in a passing car.

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Police don't know if he was the intended target of the shooter.

Inside Palo Verde High, students stand together cheering as their school hosts a basketball tournament. Outside, flashing lights and police tape serve as a reminder that one student is forever lost.

Read the Clark County Homicide Report

"My best friend goes here and I don't know what I would do if I lost her so, someone lost their best friend today and it is horrible," said Kellsie Blackard.

Many here know nothing about the 9th grader who was shot while walking home with friends, but the loss of a fellow high school student is still felt among them all.

"It is disturbing, especially considering how many cops are suppose to be in the area and something like that can still happen," said Justin Blackard.

Police believe a car with three guys and one girl pulled up to a group of students walking home and opened fire. One bullet hit and killed the 9th grader, while the others scattered down the street.

Police worked to quickly close down the area.

"Innocent children are dying -- being stuck down every day. Random violence is awful. It is a scary thing but there is nothing much you can do to protect them when something like happens," said parent Dawn Cox.

Students at Palo Verde say they always felt safe even while walking home.

"There are always cops riding their bikes around here and security monitors always stop them if there are fights, so it is pretty safe here," said student Collin Reasbeck.

Police say they do not have a lot of information on this shooting, but witnesses did say they saw four people inside the car and they described it as a small silver or gold four-door sedan, possibly with front end damage.

This is one of two shootings that occurred near Clark County schools on Friday afternoon.

Metro is also investigating another shooting that happened around the same time near Whitney Elementary School in the southeast part of the valley.

Police say the victim caught a juvenile who allegedly vandalized his property. The two began to fight, and the teenager pulled out a gun and fired.

The man was shot in the stomach and is at UMC in critical condition.

Metro Officer Jose Montoya says you should never confront a suspect because you never know what they are capable of, "So that's one of the reasons we tell people not to confront them. A very simple thing, a minor tagging, can lead to something tragic."

People who saw the incident were able to subdue the teen until police arrived.

If you have any information on these shootings, you are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 385-5555.