As the threat of mass-shootings continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant to the signs that precede an attack.
Students at an Illinois high school on Wednesday were fortunate that officer Mark Dallas had his wits about him, when he foiled a 19-year-old gunman who had opened fire.
After giving chase and entering into a firefight with the suspect, Dallas was able to prevent any lives being lost… though it was a close call.
On Wednesday, 19-year-old alleged gunman, Matthew Milby, opened fire at Dixon High School, Illinois at around 8 a.m. local time.
Luckily, school resource officer Mark Dallas was alert and on hand to intervene, and did so whilst exemplifying the firmest courageous fortitude.
Alleged Dixon High School shooter Matthew Milby is out of the hospital and in jail. https://t.co/JRemBd9DZu
— WQAD (@wqad) May 17, 2018
As per the Daily Mail, Dallas confronted the would-be attacker near a gym on campus, where students had gathered for a graduation rehearsal.
The 19-year-old promptly fled, with Dallas giving chase.
When the teen fired several rounds at Dallas, he knew he had little choice but to return fire. He did so, wounding the suspect and bringing the dramatic events to a close.
Community thanks “hero” Officer Dallas who shot HS shooter, then took him into custody https://t.co/AEVhvSKSrS pic.twitter.com/VpgOD5WVzH
— WQAD (@wqad) May 16, 2018
Luckily, no students were hit by gunfire during the attempted shooting, with the suspect himself having been taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell said that when backup arrived in the form of other officers, teachers and students were barricaded in their classrooms, having blocked the doors with tables and chairs.
Howell hailed Dallas’ actions, saying that he saved countless lives through his own unwavering bravery.
“With shots ringing out through the hallways of the school, he charged toward the suspect and confronted him head on,” Howell said. “Because of his heroic actions, countless lives were saved. We are forever indebted to him for his service and his bravery.”
Dixon Mayor: A lot of things went right today when a great many of them could’ve gone wrong. #Dixon #DixonHighschool. pic.twitter.com/MttqcWz34t
— Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) May 16, 2018
Meanwhile, Dixon Mayor Liandro Arellano Jr. echoed the praise, saying that a lot of things went right when they could have gone wrong.
What a true hero Mark Dallas is! When he heard gunfire he ran towards the shots rather than staying put or heading the other way. We’ll never know exactly how many lives he saved with his actions that day, but we can be sure it’s a lot.
Share this story to pay tribute to such a brave man. He’s a shining example for the rest of us to follow!
