High school shooter told police he didn't want to hurt anyone but himself

LACEY, Wash. -- A 16-year-old student who opened fire Monday morning at a Lacey high school told police he had no intention of shooting other students, and only intended to harm himself, according to police.

The shooter, who was not unidentified, was stopped by a North Thurston High School teacher Monday morning at the school shortly after firing two rounds. No one was injured in the shooting.

According to police, the shooter allegedly held a cigarette in one hand and a fully loaded revolver in the other before the shooting, and was wearing all black. Two shots were allegedly fired, one in a second-floor gym at the ground and another in the commons area of the school at the ceiling, police said.

Police confirmed the shooter was tackled by social studies teacher Brady Olson, who is being hailed as a hero. Lacey Police Commander Jim Mack said a school safety officer had his weapon drawn and was preparing to shoot the student when he was tackled.

"He's very fortunate, because the officer was prepared to use his firearm at the school," Mack said.

After the student was tackled, the safety officer, Olson and others detained him until other police arrived. He was taken to Lacey police headquarters for questioning. The student had recently transferred from Rainier High School in Des Moines, Washington.

Mack said the student indicated he had personal and relationship issues, but declined to elaborate.

"He indicated that he didn't want to hurt anyone else," Mack said. "He wanted to hurt himself."

A warrant was also served at the student's home. Police said the gun the shooter brought to school was legally owned by his parents, and was taken without the parent's permission. Another gun, also legally owned, was found at the home.

Parents of the shooter are cooperating with police, Mack said.

All sporting events at North Thurston were canceled for Monday. School was scheduled as normal for Tuesday. The district sent a letter to parents, stating they could excuse their children from school if they wished but counselors would be available for students and staff.

Stephanie Golden, a mother of a student at North Thurston High School, said she received a phone call from the school alerting her to the news and immediately made her way there.

“It’s traumatic,” Golden said.

Golden said her daughter called, and told her mom she was safe. Golden has already heard reports about the possible hero teacher, and is praising his actions.

“It’s heroism by this person,” Golden said. “He potentially saved lives. He’s a hero, that’s for sure.”

North Thurston High School is located at 600 Sleater Kinney Road near the border of Olympia and Lacey. About 1,400 kids attend the school.

Officers from the Lacey Police Department, the Olympia Police Department, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are investigating the shooting.

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