Quick Actions of Parents Prevent Tragedy at Texas High School Band Competition
The swift actions of four tactically trained "band dads" helped prevent a bigger tragedy after they took down an active shooter who opened fire at a band competition at a high school in Texas.
The Pasadena Police Department confirmed that 83-year-old Dennis Brandl was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly opened fire at a local high school's band competition.
Around 6 p.m. on Sunday, police, alongside the Pasadena Independent School District and Angelton Independent School District, reported that Brandl entered the auditorium entrance after a drum line competition, carrying a handgun.
According to the Angelton ISD, he fired two shots—one striking a door and another hitting a 26-year-old percussion technical consultant for Angleton High School in the shoulder. The victim was taken to a Houston hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
Moments after the shots were fired, Brandl was tackled by a parent at the event. Pasadena ISD police, a civilian, and several good Samaritans quickly apprehended the suspect.
FOX 26 Houston identified the heroes as Air Force veteran Abram Trevino, Army veteran Adam Curow, Marine veteran Efrain (Polo) Castillo, and Houston Police Department Sgt. Joe Sanchez. Trevino and Curow each served for 13 years, Castillo for four, and Sanchez has worked for the police department for 32 years.
Curow recalled, "As soon as everyone was screaming and yelling, gunshots fired, Joe and myself looked at each other and ran straight to the door. By the time we got inside, Polo and Abram were right behind us as a band dad team."
Sanchez described how he restrained Brandl, stating, "I grabbed his arms while Adam took the gun out. Once the gun was removed, we had no handcuffs, so I took my belt off and made a handcuff."
Police have not determined the motive for the shooting but praised the bystanders’ actions as heroic. The department expressed gratitude for the citizens and officers who responded to stop the shooter and prevent further violence.
Brandl, who claimed he was being chased and feared for his life, is currently being held without bond. The investigation into why he was present at the band contest continues.
Pasadena Independent School District Superintendent DeeAnn Powell expressed her pride in the combined efforts of the school's staff, police, and community members in ensuring safety during the incident.
