🚨 Gunfire Reported in West Chester

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

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🚨 Gunfire Reported in West Chester as Police Take Suspect Into Custody

🚨 Teen to Face Trial in Coatesville School Bus Shooting Plot

🧩 Downingtown Police Introduce Registry for Residents with Special Needs

🎤 Newlin Foundation Hosts First-Ever Nonprofit Education Symposium

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Gunfire Reported in West Chester as Police Take Suspect Into Custody

WEST CHESTER, PA — A quiet Sunday in West Chester was disrupted by an officer-involved shooting that drew a significant police presence to a residential neighborhood. The incident began around 2:50 p.m. on South Church Street, where officers responded to a reported disturbance. Gunfire was exchanged, and a suspect was apprehended by 3:55 p.m.

While the District Attorney’s Office has released only limited information, local residents shared observations on social media, including a sighting of someone on a roof. As per county policy, the Chester County Detectives are overseeing the investigation, with support from the West Chester Borough Police. The suspect’s name has not been released, and the nature of the original police call remains unclear.

Teen to Face Trial in Coatesville School Bus Shooting Plot

COATESVILLE, PA — An 18-year-old Coatesville resident will stand trial in connection with a school bus shooting that occurred last fall, following a preliminary hearing that presented evidence of a planned retaliation for a high school altercation.

Jaki White-Marshall faces charges of attempted murder and conspiracy after prosecutors argued that he helped organize the ambush, during which multiple shots were fired at a bus filled with students. Investigators say White-Marshall was involved in group messages discussing the attack and appeared in videos boasting about targeting rivals.

His defense attorney claimed the teen thought he was attending a fistfight and had no intent to participate in violence. But prosecutors pointed to video footage, text messages, and his presence at the scene as indicators of his involvement.

Three others were connected to the shooting, with two already facing similar charges. The judge ruled that the case against White-Marshall will move forward to trial.

Downingtown Police Introduce Registry for Residents with Special Needs

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — n an effort to improve emergency response for individuals with cognitive and physical challenges, the Downingtown Police Department has launched a new program called the “Handle with Care” Registry. The initiative invites residents or their caregivers to provide information about conditions such as autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other special needs that may require particular attention in emergency situations.

The registry aims to give officers a clearer understanding of how best to approach and assist individuals who may become confused, anxious, or disoriented under stress—especially when a caregiver is not present. Police officials emphasize that all submitted information will be treated with confidentiality and used solely to enhance care and communication. Residents are also encouraged to enroll in Smart911, a countywide service that shares safety profiles with 9-1-1 dispatchers.

Newlin Foundation Hosts First-Ever Nonprofit Education Symposium

COATESVILLE, PA — The Newlin Foundation convened more than 70 nonprofit leaders earlier this month for a day-long symposium in Coatesville aimed at improving educational opportunities for underserved students. With support from the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust, the April 2 event gathered over 30 organizations at Gateway Church to address the systemic barriers facing youth in the Coatesville Area School District.

The Newlin Foundation, which operates as part of the Chester County Community Foundation, emphasized the importance of nonprofit collaboration in strengthening support for students. The organization plans to continue hosting events to encourage long-term partnerships and shared solutions that can help transform the educational landscape for Coatesville youth.

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