Bend police described how a driver, an unharmed teacher and a parent confronted a 16-year-old gunman during Thursday’s attack at Silver Rail Elementary School, which killed four people.
Police identified the gunman as Griffin J. John II. They said he tossed a shotgun over the school fence and climbed after it. Police said John fired at the pickup after its driver called out; the vehicle was struck at least three times. After leaving the area, the driver placed the first 911 call, police said.
A second driver, whose children attended the school, stopped and took a pistol from his vehicle. John shot through the glass panes in the school’s exterior double doors and entered a classroom. A teacher tried to disrupt him with her phone, then grappled with him for the shotgun. Police said she was not injured.
The parent went inside through the damaged entrance and found John struggling with the teacher. The parent shot him several times, according to police. The new details expand on EconoTimes’ earlier report about the shooting.
The children who died were five, eight and 11. Police identified the teacher who died as Megan Lambert, 25. A seven-year-old girl and teacher Becky Drury, 54, were wounded.
Police are seeking video to help trace John’s route to the school. His route and how he obtained the gun remain under investigation. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek thanked school staff, parents, first responders and the person who intervened, her office said. Bend-La Pine Schools said Silver Rail will remain closed until further notice; other district schools are scheduled to reopen Oct. 21.
