One student is dead and the suspected gunman is behind bars after a shooting Wednesday afternoon outside Arlington Bowie High School.
Arlington police said just after 3 p.m. Wednesday that the school was on lockdown due to an "incident" outside the school. Arlington ISD confirmed shortly thereafter that the incident was a shooting.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 18-year-old Etavion Barnes. Police said he was shot multiple times. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Arlington police said a 17-year-old, identified as Julian Howard was arrested and charged with murder. While they are still investigating, they said they believe the students knew each other and that Howard targeted Barnes. The reason for the shooting or how it is Howard grabbed a hold of a weapon remains under investigation. Police say Howard declined to speak without an attorney present.
When Howard was taken into custody, police say they believe he had a THC cartridge on him – and so he was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. Howard will remain at the Arlington City Jail as the investigation continues to unfold.
"If you own a firearm, we need you to properly secure it so it doesn't end up in the hands of kids," Arlington police Chief Al Jones said. "If you have concerns about your kids or anything that's happening in the schools, please report it."
Arlington police officers were on the scene around 3:10 p.m. as the district asked that people avoid the area as police investigated. The school district said everyone inside the school was safe during that time.
About an hour after the initial report, Arlington police released students and staff from their classrooms after a temporary lockdown.
"Schools are supposed to be a place of learning and growth. This afternoon that was interrupted by senseless violence," Arlington ISD Superintendent Matt Smith said.
Arlington ISD has canceled classes at Bowie High School for Thursday, April 25. They say when students return, they will have counseling support available as needed.
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