UPDATED (May 18, 2:26 p.m. PT) – Portland Police said they have arrested 18-year-old Angel Granados-Dias following reports of a student who walked into a classroom of Parkrose High School in Northeast Portland carrying a shotgun.
Granados-Dias is charged with 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.
Police said there are no known injuries.
Portland police respond to reports of a person with a gun near Parkrose High School in Portland, Ore., on Friday, May 16, 2019.
Conrad Wilson / OPB
The incident took place just before noon Friday at one of Parkrose's main high school buildings, according to Portland Police.
"Staff members confronted the person with the gun and staff members wrestled him to the ground," Sgt. Brad Yakots said. "Our officers were very close, including school resource officers. They responded as well and took the suspect into custody.
Keanon Lowe, a former Oregon Ducks football star, engaged Dias. Lowe is the school's football coach.
"When I signed up to be a Security Guard, Football and Track & Field Coach for Parkrose High School, I did so to guide and coach young people whose shoes I had once been in," Lowe tweeted.
"I had no idea, that I would one day have to put my life on the line like I did yesterday for my students."
I'm blessed to be alive and extremely happy that the students are safe. I'm not sure what's next, I haven't had the time to really think about it. But I am sure I want to be a part of the solution to school gun violence. Thank you @PortlandPolice for your help #ParkroseHighSchool
— Keanon Lowe (@KeanonLowe) May 18, 2019
The high school was placed on lockdown while police searched the area, leaving anxious parents, many of whom said they spoke to their kids during the lockdown to confirm their safety.
Christopher Fiser stood near the high school, waiting to reunite with his son Easton Fiser.
"He just called me, he said he's OK," said Fiser, who was visibly shaken by the incident.
Fiser said his son, who is set to graduate next week, was locked down in the school for about 30 minutes.
"He said he's fine, which is the biggest thing," Fiser said. "He said he's fine, 100 times."
In a statement late Friday, Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw praised officers and school staff.
"Incidents such as the one that occurred today strikes the worst fear in the hearts of students and parents," Outlaw said. "The officers and school staff worked together to respond quickly and ensure the safety of all involved. I commend the school staff member who displayed quick actions and bravery when he confronted the subject."
Portland Police officers and the bureau's Special Emergency Reaction Team searched the school and area Friday afternoon.
Police said they were still investigating whether shots were fired.
Dias is scheduled to appear in Multnomah County Circuit Court at 2 p.m. Monday.
