Lawrence Shooting: Three Young Men Wounded Near Lawrence High School as Police Search for Suspect

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Three young men were wounded in a shooting near Lawrence High School on Monday afternoon, August 31, 2026, prompting a major police response and an active search for the person responsible. The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. near Exeter Street and East Dalton Street, close to the Lawrence Housing Authority and nearby schools.

According to Lawrence police, officers responding to reports of gunfire found three male victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to Lawrence General Hospital for treatment. Authorities initially described their conditions as varying in severity, while the police chief later indicated that all three were expected to survive.

The timing of the shooting heightened concern because it occurred as students were being dismissed from Lawrence High School. A school resource officer reportedly heard gunshots coming from the nearby housing authority property and alerted police. Witnesses described seeing people running from the area after hearing the gunfire.

Authorities emphasized that the shooting did not occur on school property. The incident instead took place in the surrounding neighborhood, near Lawrence High School and South Lawrence East Elementary School.

Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler said investigators do not believe the shooting was random. Police are searching for one suspect, although no arrest had been announced in the latest available reports. Officials have not released the suspect’s identity or provided a confirmed motive.

The investigation has involved multiple agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police, FBI, Massachusetts Environmental Police and Essex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Investigators are working to establish what led to the shooting and identify the person responsible.

The shooting has left residents and families concerned about violence occurring near schools and during a busy period of the afternoon. Police have urged people to avoid the area while investigators process the scene and gather evidence.

As the investigation remains active, authorities are expected to provide additional information when it can be confirmed. The three victims are receiving medical care, while investigators continue their search for the suspect and work to determine the circumstances surrounding the gunfire.