A teacher at Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico, was critically injured after being shot multiple times by a juvenile on 25th September. The victim, identified by his family as Kelly Matthews, a special education teacher, was shot in both the hip and stomach during the incident, which unfolded shortly before midday.
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Police arrived at the scene, initially responding to reports of a stabbing, but quickly learned that a shooting had occurred. Officers from the Hobbs Police Department (HPD) arrived at the school grounds within minutes to secure the area and ensure the safety of all students. According to Superintendent Gene Strickland, Matthews was outside the school building at the time of the incident when a juvenile male pointed a gun at him and fired several times before fleeing the scene on foot.
Matthews, who was reportedly walking between buildings or through the parking lot when he encountered the shooter, was immediately transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. His daughter shared with local news outlet KOAT that he is currently in a stable condition and showing good spirits despite the traumas he has endured.
Efforts to locate the alleged shooter began immediately after the incident. A multi-agency search was conducted in the vicinity, culminating in the apprehension of a 13-year-old boy just a couple of blocks from the school. The HPD reported that the suspect fled the scene but was taken into custody following a short foot chase. As of now, police have not confirmed whether the juvenile is a student at Highland Middle School.
Strickland described the shooting as a grave incident affecting the school community. “Today’s events have shaken us deeply,” he remarked in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim, his family, and everyone affected by this event.” He affirmed that the primary focus remains on supporting Matthews and ensuring the safety of students and staff members.
No students were harmed during the shooting, although nearby Coronado Elementary School was put on lockdown as a precautionary measure. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the motive behind the attack. The question of whether Matthews was specifically targeted or merely the first victim in what could have potentially been a broader incident is still uncertain.
In light of the shooting, Strickland reiterated the district’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its students and staff: “The appropriate safety protocols were followed today, and we will continue collaborating closely with law enforcement as their investigation unfolds.” He emphasised the dedication of the school community towards nurturing and educating children while pledging ongoing support for their staff members.
As the investigation progresses, the HPD has released a statement offering thoughts and prayers for Matthews and his family. They pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available. The local community continues to rally around the school and its staff in the wake of this distressing event, reflecting a shared concern for safety in educational environments.
The incident at Highland Middle School serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing educational institutions today. Conversations surrounding safety protocols and mental health support are likely to intensify in the aftermath of such violence, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and community support in safeguarding future generations.