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By Nicole Acevedo
A high school coach and former college football star is being hailed for helping to avert a potential tragedy by tackling a student wielding a shotgun at a high school in Portland, Oregon.
Keanon Lowe, a former star wide receiver for the University of Oregon Ducks, is credited with bringing down the armed student in the incident at Parkrose High School shortly before noon Friday, The Oregonian and other local outlets reported. A suspect, Angel Granados Dias, 18, is in custody, police said.
Granados Dias, a student at the school, was armed with a shotgun when he entered a classroom, Portland police said in a statement.
Police said he was wrestled to the ground by a staff member, whom students and parents identified as Lowe, who reportedly works as school security in addition to coaching.
Student Sisi Fuapau told NBC affiliate KGW in Portland he saw Lowe take the armed student to the ground.
“It was crazy seeing him. He was a wide receiver for the Ducks. I didn’t know he could tackle like that,” Fuapau said.
“I’m just happy everyone was OK,” Lowe said as he walked out of the school building after police had cleared it, the Oregonian reported. “I’m happy I was able to be there for the kids and for the community.”
“I’m thankful that he was there to do something,” a school parent told “Today.”
“I commend the school staff member who displayed quick actions and bravery when he confronted the subject,” said Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw in a statement. “The officers and school staff worked together to respond quickly and ensure the safety of all involved.”
The scare happened a day before Parkrose High School’s prom scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
“After talking with students and staff, we decided to hold the prom as scheduled,” said Parkrose School District superintendent Michael Lopes Serrao in a public letter.
Portland police Sgt. Brad Yakots told NBC News in statement that “school resource officers will be on hand to engage with the students to show support while providing a presence” during prom night.
“Lots of love for our Parkrose Community! Prom is still on,” Parkrose High School principal Molly Ouche wrote on Twitter. “Take care of each other.”
Granados Dias is currently at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of possession of a firearm in a public building, attempting to discharge a firearm at a school, reckless endangerment, and possession of a loaded firearm in a public place, according to Portland police.
