A group of heroic Texas dads with military and law enforcement backgrounds swiftly thwarted a potential tragedy at a high school band competition, tackling and disarming an elderly gunman.
At a Glance
- An 83-year-old man opened fire during a band competition at Pasadena Memorial High School
- Four fathers with military and law enforcement experience tackled and disarmed the shooter
- A percussion consultant was injured but is in stable condition
- The suspect, Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- The heroic fathers are being honored for their quick and brave actions
Swift Action Prevents Tragedy
In a display of extraordinary courage, a group of Texas fathers with backgrounds in law enforcement and the military prevented what could have been a tragic incident at Pasadena Memorial High School. During a band competition on Saturday, 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. entered the school premises armed with a small caliber weapon and opened fire, injuring a percussion consultant.
Members of the Pearland Band Dads group, including Abram Trevino, Adam Curow, Efrain “Polo” Castillo, and Joe Sanchez, sprang into action when they heard shouts of “Active shooter!” Without hesitation, these brave fathers rushed towards the danger, utilizing their extensive military and law enforcement experience to quickly subdue the gunman.
The fathers’ swift response was crucial in preventing further harm. Joe Sanchez, a Sergeant with the Houston Police Department, described the intense moments.
“People were coming out screaming, saying, ‘Active shooter, active shooter,’ so me and Polo were with the same prop, dropped everything and ran through the lobby door,” Sanchez said.
“I grabbed his arms while Adam took the gun out. Then once the gun was out of his hand, we had no handcuffs so I took a my belt and made a handcuff,” Sanchez added.
The group’s combined military experience of over three decades proved invaluable in the heat of the moment. Their quick thinking and coordinated efforts resulted in the gunman being disarmed and restrained within a remarkably short time.
The actions of these brave fathers have not gone unnoticed. Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger commended their heroism, stating, “I could not be more Pearland proud — they will tell you they are just [Pearland High School] dads — but their selfless response makes them heroes to all of us.”
In recognition of their bravery, the One in Five Foundation for Kids, a national nonprofit, will present heroism awards to the four men. Their quick actions undoubtedly saved lives and prevented what could have been a much more tragic outcome.
“These individuals did not hesitate to jump into action to save lives, plain and simple. Yet, it cannot be underestimated, what these individuals did that day. They are heroes,” The One in Five Foundation for Kids said.
The victim, a white male in his mid-twenties working as a technical consultant for the drumline, is reported to be in stable condition. The incident occurred during the Texas Color Guard Circuit drumline competition, causing a temporary lockdown of the school.
