Kevin Gaspar, an 18-year-old Town of Newburgh resident and former Newburgh Free Academy (NFA) student, was indicted Friday in City of Newburgh Court. Gaspar was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 14, after firing multiple shots near NFA’s Main Campus. No injuries were reported.

City of Newburgh police responded to the high school at 2:24 p.m. following a ShotSpotter alert and reports of a large fight during dismissal. Video footage captured a group of students involved in an altercation with Gaspar, which escalated and spilled onto South Street. Gaspar then brandished a handgun and fired several shots into the crowd.

An Orange County Sheriff’s Office school security deputy witnessed Gaspar holding the firearm and pursued him on foot. Gaspar was apprehended two blocks from the scene by the deputy and responding city officers, who recovered a loaded handgun.

According to the New York State Unified Court System website, Gaspar was arraigned Wednesday, Jan. 15, before Judge Anika Mohammed. He pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including:
• Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

• Criminal use of a firearm in the second degree.
• Aggravated criminal possession of a weapon.
• Reckless endangerment in the first degree.
• Criminal possession of a weapon in a sensitive location.
• Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds.
• Tampering with physical evidence.
• Obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree.
• Menacing in the second degree.

Bail was set at $50,000. Gaspar, represented by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, appeared before City Judge Paul Trachte on Friday. Detectives are investigating the incident, and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Edgar at 845-569-7558.

Superintendent Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell issued a statement Tuesday at 3:12 p.m., announcing a 10-minute lockout following the shooting. No injuries were reported, but bus delays were noted. A subsequent update at 7:45 p.m. confirmed Gaspar’s arrest, multiple felony charges, and the recovery of the weapon. During a Board of Education meeting that evening, Manning Campbell assured the community there was no ongoing threat but requested increased police presence the next day. The district’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team was activated to support students and staff.

In a Wednesday update at 6:55 p.m., the district addressed law enforcement partnerships, student support, and communication. Officials are identifying students involved in the fight and urging cooperation from the community. Thanks were extended to law enforcement, security staff, and district administrators.

At the Jan. 14 meeting, parent Ronaldo Santiago thanked the district for its swift response but expressed concerns about safety. “I understand there’s no ongoing threat, but this happened right outside our doorstep,” he said.

Board member Ramiro Burgarelli, whose children attend NFA, raised questions about the authority of school security staff off school grounds. Superintendent Manning Campbell noted limited authority but commended the response from security, staff, and administrators.

Board member Philip Howard suggested increased city police patrols near the school during dismissal. “That was scary today. Can we collaborate with the City of Newburgh Police Department to patrol key areas at dismissal?” he asked. Manning Campbell assured the board of ongoing coordination with law enforcement and pledged updates on dismissal protocols.

Board member Fred Stewart proposed high-resolution cameras near school exits. Manning Campbell confirmed that cameras are already installed and have assisted law enforcement in the investigation.