The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is investigating the incident.
In a press release, ALEA said the man was seen trying to force his way into a marked Rainbow patrol car near the school. A resource officer contacted the man and tried to stop him, the statement said.
A fight ensued in which the person tried to take the policeman’s weapon. The police officer was able to call for reserve and an officer who responded shot the person who was found dead at the scene, according to the announcement.
No children at the school were injured in the incident, Horton said.
Although the school year is over, during the summer, the school has a literacy camp for elementary students, Redick said.
The neighborhood has always had a practice of locking all exterior and interior doors, Redick said. Something that was advertised to help keep the potential intruder out.
“He tried to open at least two doors leading to the school,” Redick said.
“This is Gadsden. A small community. You do not think that will happen at your school,” he added.
Praising the work of the school’s resource officer, Horton also highlighted the work the area has done in the run-up to the shootings in Uvalde, Texas.
“Our schools, especially after … what happened in Texas, we have one of the largest school resource programs in Etowah County, which declares that these doors remain locked. That the person could not get through them. at school, “he said. he said.
“From the point of view of the school resource officer – he did exactly what needed to be done. He went straight to the threat, dealt with it and dealt with it. It unfortunately ended in the death of the suspect, but this is the safest alternative a threat outside this school, “he added.
The school’s resource officer was taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries sustained during the fight, Horton said.
It is not known if the suspect was armed.
