A high school athletics coach was been declared a hero after thwarting a possible school shooting.
The incident occurred Friday at Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon, where an 18-year-old man reportedly entered a classroom with a gun. Moments after the man pulled out the firearm, Keanon Lowe, a football and track coach at the school, tackled the student before anyone was hurt.
"I'm just happy everyone was OK," Lowe said after the scare. "I’m happy I was able to be there for the kids and for the community."
According to the Oregonian, Lowe coaches the school's football and track teams, and works as a Parkrose High security guard. Lowe was also a star wide receiver for the University of Oregon, as well as a former analyst for the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.
When I signed up to be a Security Guard, Football and Track & Field Coach for Parkrose High School, I did so to guide and coach young people whose shoes I had once been in. I had no idea, that I would one day have to put my life on the line like I did yesterday for my students.
I'm blessed to be alive and extremely happy that the students are safe. I'm not sure what's next, I haven't had the time to really think about it. But I am sure I want to be a part of the solution to school gun violence. Thank you @PortlandPolice for your help #ParkroseHighSchool
A staff member detained the suspect, who was later identified as an 18-year-old student, until police arrived shortly before noon.
"Incidents such as the one that occurred today strikes the worst fear in the hearts of students and parents," Police Chief Danielle Outlaw said in a statement. "The officers and school staff worked together to respond quickly and ensure the safety of all involved. I commend the school staff member who displayed quick actions and bravery when he confronted the subject."
The armed student reportedly entered a government class just 10 minutes before the period ended. Witnesses say the suspect didn't point his weapon at anyone, nor did he fire any shots.
"We didn’t hear anything go off," 17-year-old student Preston Anderson said. "All we know is that Mr. Lowe subdued him and held him down."
The suspect was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center and charged with possession of firearm in a public building, attempting to discharge a firearm at a school, reckless endangerment, and possession of a loaded firearm in a public place.
