Arlington, Texas – A tragic incident unfolded at Bowie High School in Arlington, leading to the death of a 17-year-old student and the arrest of another student following a shooting on Wednesday afternoon. Arlington authorities confirmed the devastating news during a press conference held by Police Chief Al Jones and Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.
The authorities revealed that an 18-year-old male student at Bowie High School is suspected of fatally shooting the 17-year-old victim. The campus was placed on lockdown as a response to the shooting, with both names of the suspect and victim yet to be disclosed. Reports indicated that police officers were seen desperately providing CPR to an individual on the ground outside the school in footage obtained by NBC 5.
Following the incident, the suspect was apprehended around 5:30 p.m., with law enforcement agencies expressing a lack of information regarding the motive behind the shooting. Earlier in the day, Arlington Police had initiated an investigation into an incident outside the school building, with multiple officers seen surveying an area near a portable building on the campus.
Amid the chaos and uncertainty, the Arlington ISD announced safety measures to ensure the well-being of all individuals within the school premises. Parents were notified that students would not be released on schedule and were directed to reunite with their children at a designated location where proper identification would be required for pick-up.
Heartbroken parents expressed their anguish and fear while awaiting updates about their children’s safety. The community around Bowie High School stood in solidarity, grappling with the harsh reality of yet another tragedy that has befallen their school.
As Arlington mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, the district has decided to cancel classes at Bowie High School the following day. Plans are in place to offer extensive counseling and support services to students and staff, aiming to aid in their healing process as they come to terms with the tragedy.