Police Detail Richmond School Shooting Events

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 11:08 AM

By Carli Luca and Peter Cheng, 24/7 News Source

Indiana State Police say the 14-year-old shooter was intent on causing "maximum harm."

Police on the scene of an active shooter situation at Dennis Intermediate School in Richmond, Indiana on December 13, 2018. Photo by WKEF/WRGT.

(Richmond, Ind.) - Police are releasing more information about a school shooting in Richmond, Indiana. 

A news conference held Tuesday detailed what transpired December 13 at Dennis Intermediate School

Indiana State Police Captain David Bursten says the suspect's mother called 9-1-1 to warn them that her son had taken her boyfriend hostage at gunpoint and was forcing him to drive to the school. His intent was to cause maximum harm.

“With no doubt in my mind, had she not made that call, things would have turned out dramatically different there. More likely there would have been more loss of life,” said Bursten.

Bursten says the teen suspect arrived to the school with a Remington rifle, .45 caliber pistol, two magazines, a handwritten plan, and items to create Molotov cocktails. 

The shooter was able to force his way inside the school. 

“He uses the .45 caliber pistol and fires three shots into the glass door, knocking out the glass, making entry into the school,” Bursten explained.

The timeline of the police response was also released, and the principal of the school was credited with saving officers' lives by warning them when the shooter was in the stairwell. 

Police say the 14-year-old fired a dozen shots that morning. He was never wounded by police bullets before taking his own life.

No officers were hurt. 

Bursten said the shooter was not targeting a specific person.

RELATED STORIES:

Richmond School Gunman Took Own Life During Shootout With Officers

More from Local News


Events

Tractor Trailer Accident Impacting NKY Traffic

The accident happened in the Erlanger area.

Congresswoman Houchin Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Indiana’s Ninth District.

Windy Conditions Expected Friday

Wind gusts of 50 mph are possible.

IBCA Announces Academic All-State Teams

Individual and team recognition.

Former East Central Star Named NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player

Hope Fox and the Southern Connecticut State Owls are a No. 1 seed heading into the DII Tourney.

SEI Hoops Stars Earn HBCA All-District Honors

Senior All-District players will be on the ballot for the All-Star Game in April.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Luke Combs - She Got The Best Of Me

Sawyer Brown The Boys And Me 11:15
Ernest and Morgan Wallen Flower Shops 11:09
Trace Adkins Songs About Me 11:05
Reba McEntire The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia 11:01