School cop on confronting teenage gunman in Lacey, what boy said to him
LACEY, Wash. -- The Lacey police officer and school resource officer who was just a split-second away from shooting a teenage gunman inside North Thurston High School described the critical moment and what the boy said to him.
In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, Ed McClanahan told Q13 FOX News that he was ready to shoot when he came face to face with the student holding a pistol.
He said he is glad it didn't end that way, thanks to teacher Brady Olson who tackled the gunman to the ground.
“I had no doubt what it was, absolutely no doubt. I knew it was a gunshot,” McClanahan said of hearing the first of two rounds fired in the school.
With his gun drawn, the school resource officer ran toward the sound of gunfire.
“I probably get 10 to 15 feet -- and I hear another one,” McClanahan said of the second shot.
He said he finally spotted the shooter on the bottom of the stairs near the gym.
“He emerges from, kind of around the corner, and he’s got that gun in his hand -- he has it pointed at the ceiling,” McClanahan said.
McClanahan makes a split-second decision not to shoot because nearly a dozen innocent students are in the line of fire behind the gunman.
“Some were running, some were not sure what was happening,” McClanahan said.
Just one more step and he would have had a clear shot, McClanahan said, adding that there is no question he would have pulled the trigger.
“Just prior to those two things happening, Mr. Olson tackles him from behind and takes him to the ground,” McClanahan said.
That pivotal tackle changed the course of the traumatic event, likely saving many lives, including that of the gunman.
“He not only tackled him, but grabbed onto his right arm and he held it out -- it was pretty impressive,” McClanahan said.
Olson’s brave move allowed McClanahan to secure the gun from the teenager, who at that moment said these words to McClanahan.
“He asked why I didn’t shoot him,” McClanahan said.
Detectives say the troubled student was hoping police would shoot him. McClanahan is grateful he didn’t have to fire.
“I told him life is full of second chances, hopefully get that help that you need and life becomes better for you in the future,” McClanahan said.
The Lacey police officer said he asked to be a school resource officer because he loves the job. In fact, the day after the shooting, he showed up to work early and stood in front of the school to greet students as they came in.