An 18-year-old student has died after being shot five to six times by another student outside Bowie High School in Texas.
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones and Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith told a press conference that the incident occurred at the local public school around 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, near a portable facility outdoors.
The school was put on lockdown just as kids were about to be released for the day.
When School Resource Officers arrived on the scene, they discovered an 18-year-old male student lying motionless on the ground with suspected gunshot wounds.
The student was promptly sent to a neighboring hospital but died while there.
According to officers, the 17-year-old alleged shooter attempted to flee the school before being apprehended near campus. He will be charged with murder once he is processed into the Arlington City Jail, according to police.
Hours after the shooting, families were urged to gather with their children at a district headquarters miles away from campus.
Arlington police said they will release additional information on the event as it becomes available.
According to Chief Jones, the community “cannot tolerate this kind of violence.”
“Our hearts are with the entire Bowie High School community tonight,” Jones stated in a statement. “We, as a community, cannot condone this type of aggression. Not in our neighborhoods or schools. Violence is never the proper response. We will continue to work closely with our Arlington ISD partners to ensure that our schools are safe learning environments.”
In a statement, Dallas ISD expressed its condolences to the school system.
“Our deepest condolences to Bowie High School and the Arlington ISD community,” the school district announced. “Sending thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt support during this difficult time.”