MESQUITE, Texas — Officials at the Mesquite charter school where a student brought a gun to school Monday, resulting in a police shooting, are installing metal detectors among other added security measures, as students returned to class Tuesday.
Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy officials in a news release Tuesday announced they are installing the detectors at "checkpoint entrances" at the school, and they've re-routed how students enter the campus "to ensure that every student passes through these detectors."
The school also had additional security officers on campus Tuesday, as well as crisis counselors.
Students and staff returned to classes Tuesday, with officials saying that "for many, school is the safest place for students to receive the social-emotional support they need during this difficult time."
Police said a 16-year-old student with a gun had arrived at the school shortly before 9 a.m. Monday. A caller told police that the student refused to put the gun down. When officers responded, they gave the student verbal commands, but at some point in the exchange, three officers shot at the suspect, leaving him with a minor leg wound.
The suspect then complied and was taken into custody and then to a hospital for treatment. It was unclear if he was injured from a bullet or shrapnel in the shooting.
Mesquite PD confirmed to WFAA that 19 shots were fired by the officers. They also said there was no initial indication that the suspect fired at the officers.
No other students were injured, and no officers were injured. Witnesses told investigators they heard the teen say he was there with a gun to cause harm to others.
Mesquite PD confirmed the teen suspect has been charged with "exhibition of a firearm" and more charges will likely be filed.
District officials said staff will also be trained "to provide an extra layer of protection and response capability" and that community meetings will discuss the incident and the school's response.
Some parents were very concerned about how they were notified about the incident, telling WFAA that they learned about what was happening on Facebook or from their student in lockdown.
Officials also clarified in the letter how they communicate with parents, which is via Facebook and a school messaging system they should be signed up for.
The Mesquite Police Department also plans to release body camera and security footage by early next week to be transparent about what happened and show how the officer-involved shooting unfolded.