A gun that was accidentally discharged on campus sent an Arlington elementary school in the 3100 block of Lynnwood Drive into lockdown Thursday.
Police say that Anthony White, 55 arrived at Duff Elementary School to pick up his child. White was headed toward the main office at the school when he adjusted his pants and accidentally discharged the revolver that was tucked into his waistband.
At approximately 11:45 a.m., police were called to investigate claims of a shooting that had taken place, NBC News reports. According to the police, White suffered a leg wound due to the gun’s firing.
A temporary lockdown was enforced while police investigated the incident. During the lockdown, the Arlington Independent School District said that there had been no threats against the school and that all children and employees had remained safe. Police concluded that there was no malicious intent and that White was on the school grounds for a legitimate purpose.
The injuries sustained by White were not deemed to be life-threatening, according to the police. There were no reports of any further injuries.
NBC News reports Gerald Sims, a crossing guard at the school, explained that his shift began at noon on the day in question because it was an early release day for students.
“As a lady walked over, told me what happened,” Sims told NBC News. “I saw the guy walk. They helped him from the sidewalk down the stairs and back up. … He sat on that retainer wall until the ambulance came and took him away.”
Keri Stubbe is the mother of two children who attend Duff Elementary. She told NBC News said she got a notification about the lockdown that afternoon.
“So, I ran out of work. I’ll probably get fired, but it’s OK,” Stubbe said. “I knew they were in good hands. Just as a parent, [you] automatically assume the worst things. So, you just want to be with them.”
Stubbe said she was able to communicate with her daughter via text message. According to Stubbe, her daughter’s message read, “The teacher said we’re all OK. Everything is fine. Our teachers have [us] in our rooms, and everything’s OK. I just wanted to let you know we’re OK.”
“A lot of weight was lifted, but at the same time, her being 11 … she had all kinds of stories and not correct information, so I wasn’t sure if it was on the campus. Was it down the street? Where was it? Was this a parent? A stranger? Somebody trying to get to the school?” Stubbe explained.
As planned, the students were released from school early.
Police said that White was taken into custody after receiving medical treatment. He is being held in jail in Arlington. At this time, the police have not indicated the bond amount for White’s release, ABC News reports.
“We would like to remind the public that it is illegal to bring a weapon into a school unless the law specifically allows it,” the Arlington Police Department said in a statement.