Student killed, another arrested after shooting at Arlington’s Bowie High School

A tragic incident unfolded at Bowie High School in Arlington on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old student and the arrest of another student.

Arlington Police Chief Al Jones and Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith addressed the media during a press conference, confirming the incident as a homicide.

Authorities responded to reports of shots fired near a portable building on campus just before 3 p.m. School Resource Officers found the 18-year-old male student critically injured, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The campus was placed on lockdown as first responders attended to the victim. Despite efforts, the student succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital.

Law enforcement swiftly located and apprehended the suspected shooter, a 17-year-old male student, in the vicinity of the campus. He will face charges of murder upon being booked into Arlington City Jail.

Investigators believe the victim and the suspect were acquainted, but the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Detectives are also working to determine the type of firearm used, its source, and whether it was brought onto school premises.

Arlington Police emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of the Bowie High School community. Chief Al Jones expressed condolences, stating, “Violence is never the right answer. We will continue to work in lockstep with our partners at Arlington ISD to ensure our schools are safe spaces where students can learn.”

Amidst the lockdown, parents anxiously awaited updates on their children’s safety. Some expressed concerns about the communication process, stating they were first informed by their children rather than the school district.

In response to these concerns, Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith acknowledged the rapid dissemination of information among students and committed to reviewing the communication protocols utilized during lockdown situations.

As the Arlington community grapples with this tragedy, Arlington ISD announced the cancellation of classes at Bowie High School on Thursday. The district pledged ongoing support for students and families, including access to counseling services.

In the coming days, Arlington ISD plans to conduct a comprehensive review of campus safety measures in collaboration with law enforcement.