North Thurston High School Shooter Taken Down By Teacher [Breaking]

A teacher at North Thurston High School in Lacey, Washington is being called a “hero” after he managed to take down a student who was firing shots in the school.

The Lacey police said that the school resource officer made a radio call about the shooter shortly before classes were to start at 7:30 a.m.

The suspect, believed to be a 15 or 16-year-old boy, reportedly entered the school with a handgun and fired two shots into the air in a common area before he was tackled by a staff member, according to King 5 News.

“I think it’s heroic. I think it’s guttural. People rise to the occasion when they need to do something. I think, in this case, it probably prevented worse things from happening,” Commander Chris Ward, Lacey Police, said.

Luckily, no one was injured. However, the school did let the students out for the rest of the day while they swept the building.

According to the North Thurston School District’s website, the suspect is currently in custody.

“A shooting has been reported. Lacey police have suspect in custody. NTHS in lockdown while authorities clear the school. No injuries. When safety of area is confirmed, reunification will take place at the football stadium after a full accounting of all students has been completed. NTHS has been cancelled for the day including athletics events. All other schools are operating on a normal schedule.”

The Lacey police department also assured, via Twitter, that they have the suspect.

“Lacey Police on scene at shooting at NTHS. Shooter in custody. No injuries,” the police station tweeted.

Lacey Police on scene at shooting at NTHS. Shooter in custody. No injuries.

— Lacey Police (@LaceyPolice) April 27, 2015

“Reunification will take place at NTHS football field. Students will be released only with parent ctc once roll is taken,” they added. “More info to follow.”

Reunification will take place at NTHS football field. Students will be released only with parent ctc once roll is taken. More info to follow

— Lacey Police (@LaceyPolice) April 27, 2015

Parents of North Thurston High School’s students were obviously shocked by the incident and anxious to get to their children.

“I’m shaking like a leaf. I could barely drive here,” parent Aphton Engler said. “I was so scared and didn’t know exactly what was going on. I just feared the worst, to be quite honest, but prayed for the best. Luckily, everyone is OK and that’s what matters.”

[Image via Shutterstock]