A suspect who police say shot two people Wednesday at a Dallas-area high school has been taken into custody.
Kevin Kolbye, the assistant chief of police for the Arlington Police Department, said that 18-year-old Timothy Simpkins was taken into custody on Wednesday, hours after two people were shot and two others injured in an incident at Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas.
Officials said that Simpkins would be charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a gun.
The suspect has been taken into custody without incident and charged with multiple counts of Aggravated Assault with a gun. Most students have been safely evacuated from Timberview High School. Thank you for everyone’s help. pic.twitter.com/h9Zs8Zxpze
— Arlington Police, TX (@ArlingtonPD) October 6, 2021
Kolbye said that one of the people hospitalized Wednesday underwent surgery and was in intensive care. A second patient who was hospitalized was said to be in "good" condition.
The incident occurred at about 9:15 a.m. CT Wednesday morning. Police say they believe it began as a "fight between (Simpkins) and another individual in class" and that "a gun was used."
Simpkins later fled campus. After a brief search, he was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon.
At a press conference in Mission, Texas, on Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the gun that was used in the incident was not legal, adding that "it is illegal for the shooter to either possess or have purchased the gun that was used in this crime."
Officials later confirmed they recovered a gun they believe was used in the shooting in the street in nearby Grand Prairie, Texas.
In response to safety measure concerns, Central Texas school districts said they are prepared to protect students and staff.
"While we’ve been following news of the incident in Mansfield ISD and share our heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the students and educators in Arlington, there’s no indication of any connection to schools in Central Texas," said Waco ISD. "We’re continuing to follow all of our standard safety protocols but are not doing anything out of the ordinary at this time."
Killeen ISD, a Bell County school district said it has the necessary precautions in place in case of an emergency.
“KISD Police officers are strategically located on campuses and across the district to protect the safety of students and staff. We are grateful for the strong partnerships we have with our local police and fire departments."
Additionally, Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement following reports of the shooting:
"As law enforcement continues their investigation, our hearts go out to the victims of this senseless act of violence. Thank you to the law enforcement officers and first responders who arrived on the scene to help the victims and prevent further violence. I have spoken with the Mayor of Arlington and offered any assistance the state can provide, and I have directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to make state resources available to help bring the criminal to justice. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the victims, their families, and the entire Timberview High School community."
This story is breaking and will be updated.
