Cambridge Police Officer Accidentally Discharged Gun in School Bathroom, No Injuries Reported

A member of the Cambridge Police Department accidentally discharged his firearm at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, city officials said.

The CPD Youth Resource Officer discharged the firearm in a staff bathroom on the first floor of the high school, according to a joint press release from CPD and Cambridge Public Schools. No individuals were injured in the incident.

The school was not evacuated and the school day was not impacted, CPD spokesperson Robert Goulston wrote in a Tuesday night statement to The Crimson.

The release came during a Cambridge City Council hearing with CPD Commissioner Christine A. Elow on Tuesday afternoon. During the meeting, Elow said the investigation is active and ongoing, only adding that the bullet hit the ceiling.

“We are looking into it,” Elow said. “There will be a full thorough investigation that will be transparent.”

After the announcement, Councilor Paul F. Toner referred to past incidents of accidental discharges and asked if there was any connection to the Tuesday incident.

“I’ve just heard in the past that there’s been some challenges with firearms that our police department accidentally discharging,” he said. “I don’t know if that’s truly the case, or if we’ve changed firearms, or if there’s any information you can share with us.”

Elow declined to provide more information during the meeting, saying that she will provide the Council and community with more information as she receives it.

In the press release, CPD and CPS wrote that they “value their longstanding partnership as the Youth Resource Officer program is a vital aspect of maintaining safe and welcoming learning environments within our school communities.”

CRLS Principal Damon Smith wrote in an email to school affiliates after the incident that the administration will be working closely with CPD to investigate the situation.

“We will work together along with our partners in the district administration to ensure we are doing everything within our ability to keep CRLS the welcoming and safe learning environment to which our students are entitled,” Smith wrote.

Smith also mentioned the importance of the Youth Resource Officer Program to school safety.

“The YROs are critical partners in our work to cultivate a secure and welcoming learning environment for all students and staff.”

Goulston wrote that the District Attorney and State Police have been notified of the incident.

“Both agencies have deferred the case back to CPD for internal investigation,” he wrote.

Goulston added that the officer involved in the incident has worked in the department since 1987 and has “never had an accidental discharge before.”

—Staff writer Sally E. Edwards can be reached at sally.edwards@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @sallyedwards04 or on Threads @sally_edwards06.

—Staff writer Asher J. Montgomery can be reached at asher.montgomery@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @asherjmont or on Threads @asher_montgomery.