A teenager who opened gunfire at Dixon High School in northern Illinois Wednesday morning was shot by a school resource officer, who is now being hailed as a hero.
High school seniors had been gathering in the school’s gymnasium for a graduation rehearsal in the morning when an armed male teenager began shooting. School resource officer Mark Dallas returned fire, local officials have confirmed.
“Preliminary investigation shows the suspect shot at the police officer, the officer returned fire, and the suspect was injured. His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening,” the city said in a Facebook statement. “The suspect is in custody and is receiving medical treatment. No students or staff were injured in the incident.”
City Administrator Danny Langloss said students, faculty, and staff were “lucky” Dallas was there and that “his brave actions saved a lot of lives,” according to the Kane County Chronicle.
All Dixon public schools were put on lockdown following the incident. High schoolers were evacuated and then taken by buses to a baseball field where parents and guardians could pick them up.
Officials added they believe the gunman acted alone.
The suspect’s identity is still being sorted out. A local media outlet reported he was a 19-year-old former student of the school, though police have not confirmed that report.
