Man slain outside Dorchester school

The shooting occurred just minutes before noon, when an unknown gunman fired at least three shots in what police are calling a targeted attack on a 23-year-old man near the corner of Westville and Bowdoin streets.

Daphne Jones, who lives in the area, said she saw the victim, who police said was shot several times, lying face down on the asphalt. “He lifted his head once, then dropped it, and after that he didn’t move,’’ she said.

The victim was rushed to Boston Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Police said he was well known to law enforcement, but would not elaborate.

The school, which was full of students and was serving as a polling place during yesterday’s city election, was put on lockdown for 90 minutes, until classes were dismissed at 1:30 p.m. Meanwhile, police combed the yards of adjacent homes looking for ballistics and other evidence. Residents and parents picking up their children expressed frustration and outrage with the chronic violence that has played out in recent years so close to the school.

Officials said polling was not disrupted during the incident.

Jones said, “It’s so sad what’s happening in this neighborhood, and to think that there are hundreds of kids just around the corner makes it even worse.’’

A man picking up his 11-year-old daughter said the acts of violence near the school might be traumatizing students. The parent - who gave only his first name, Jeff - said, “It’s a shame things like this happen and the kids are left with blunt trauma.’’

Two years ago, two alleged gang members led police on a foot chase that ended in a gunfight in front of the school, and several months later police discovered a homicide victim slumped in his car in the school’s back parking lot. Last year, police shut down Westville Street while they investigated a shooting several houses away from the school. There have been other acts of violence that have played out recently on nearby streets.

Councilor Charles C. Yancey was at the crime scene yesterday and, after shaking hands and talking with several constituents behind yellow police tape, said of the violence, “It’s very disconcerting, and I’m not sure what’s causing it.

“It’s particularly disconcerting it could happen so close to an elementary school,’’ he added. “What is going on in the minds of people who could so recklessly discharge a weapon so close to children?’’

Police did not release the name of the victim and said they are interviewing witnesses. No suspects have been identified.

Police Deputy Superintendent Robert Merner said yesterday, standing on the sidewalk at the intersection, “We have multiple descriptions from witnesses and are interviewing them.’’ Merner said the victim lived in the neighborhood. When asked how the incident unfolded, he replied, “It started and ended here.’’

The homicide was the city’s 42d this year, compared to 53 through the same date last year.