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Armed Police Thwart Apparent School Shooting Attempt, Suspect Dead

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Police responded to an apparent mass school shooting attempt in Richmond, Indiana, on Thursday morning, engaging the 14-year-old gunman who then took his own life.

WHIO reported that police received a phone tip at approximately 8 a.m. concerning a “potential violent act” to Dennis Intermediate School, which is located in Richmond, about 70 miles east of Indianapolis.

Police confronted the suspect outside the school, who then exchanged gunfire with officers.

The boy then shot a glass door to gain access to the school and shortly thereafter died of an apparent self-inflicted wound.

The Richmond Community Schools district tweeted afterward, “There has been an active shooter situation at Dennis Intermediate School. At this time, the school building is secure.”

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“Officers received information this morning that there could possibly be someone en route to commit a violent act at Dennis Intermediate School here in Richmond,” Sgt. John Bowling with the Indiana State Police later told reporters.

“Officers responded rapidly. They did confront a suspect outside the school. Shots were exchanged, and the teen suspect decided to take his own life,” he added.

Bowling related that no other students or officers were injured in the melee.

“[No one was hurt] mainly because someone knew something, and they said something,” the officer stated. “They warned police and police were able to respond. The school was able to follow procedures to help protect students.”

All 15 Richmond Community Schools were placed on lockdown after the shooting. Students from Dennis Intermediate School were later taken to Richmond High School where they were reunited with their parents.

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“Peggy Lewis was in the area at the time of the incident and said she spoke to the suspect’s father,” WXIN reported.

“He said, ‘No I’m actually his father’ and he was telling me how his son had been bullied and they took him out of school and they thought he was doing well. But he thinks he’s been planning this for a while,” said Lewis. “He just said his son took all of his guns this morning and told him (if) he didn’t take him, wherever, he said if he didn’t take him he was going to kill him too.”

Richmond Community Schools tweeted Thursday evening that Dennis Intermediate School students will not have school Friday Dec. 14 or Monday Dec. 17.

“All other RCS schools will be open. The event today at Dennis was an isolated incident. We will have extra law enforcement presence at all schools. If you plan to keep your children home tomorrow, we understand.”

Do you think all schools should have armed police officers present?

In neighboring Illinois last May, a police officer confronted a gunman who showed up at a high school graduation rehearsal.

The officer exchanged gunfire, chasing him from the scene.

The suspect received non-life-threatening wounds, but no students or police officers were injured.

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Randy DeSoto has written more than 2,000 articles for The Western Journal since he joined the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."
Randy DeSoto is the senior staff writer for The Western Journal. He wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.
Birthplace
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated dean's list from West Point
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law
Books Written
We Hold These Truths
Professional Memberships
Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Entertainment, Faith




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