Tragedy Strikes at James Bowie High School A somber cloud descended upon James Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, as a student lost his life in a shooting on Wednesday afternoon. The Arlington Independent School District confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that a suspect is now in custody.
The victim, an 18-year-old student, was rushed to the hospital after the incident, but tragically, he did not survive. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones disclosed that the victim was found unresponsive on the ground, with officers administering life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries, having been shot five or six times.
As the community reels from this senseless act of violence, the victim's identity remains undisclosed. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old suspect attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement without resistance. Authorities have reason to believe that both the suspect and victim were fellow students who shared a connection. In the aftermath of the shooting, the school was placed on lockdown to ensure the safety of all individuals present.
"The level of violence we are witnessing is unacceptable in our community, in our neighborhoods, and especially in our schools," expressed Jones. "We cannot address this issue alone. We need the support of everyone in the community. If you own a firearm, please ensure it is securely stored to prevent access by children. As a society, we must find ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence."
Student dismissal was postponed, and Arlington ISD set up a reunification site for Bowie High School students and families at the Arlington ISD Athletics and Aquatics Center located at 1001 E. Division.
"I received a very distressing message with a photo of a student on the floor," shared a student's sister with CBS News Texas while waiting at the reunification area. "She was scared, and she heard seven gunshots while in the hallway. The announcement told everyone to go to their classrooms."
The woman recounted how her sister described the students as "terrified."
"She was lost and didn't know what to do," the woman continued. "It was a horrible experience. Personally, it is traumatic for me, knowing that this has happened at both schools she has attended. It is distressing to think about them being at school while such incidents occur. It's traumatic, and there are no words to describe it. The impact on the kids is profound."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is collaborating with Arlington police on the investigation. Jones mentioned that the authorities are actively seeking to determine the motive behind the incident.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, classes at Bowie High School will not be in session on Thursday. Arlington ISD has made the decision to cancel classes for the day. When students return to school, they will be provided with the full support of our counseling team for as long as necessary.
Dr. Matt Smith, the superintendent of Arlington ISD, expressed gratitude to the Arlington police for their quick response. He also mentioned that the district will maintain collaboration with the police department throughout the entire investigation.
