Newly released surveillance video shows the moment an Oregon school coach disarmed and huggeda shotgun-wielding student,averting a potential tragedy.
Angel Granados-Diaz, 19, is seen on the video walking into the fine arts building of Parkrose High School in Portland with a shotgun hidden under his jacket on May 17, 2019.
Officials said Granados-Diaz was experiencing a mental health crisis when he brought the gun containing one round to school.
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Keanon Lowe, a former star wide receiverfor the University of Oregon Ducks who works at Parkrose High as asecurity guard and football and track -and-field coach, said he saw something in Granados-Diaz ‘face, “the look in his eyes. I looked at the gun and I realized it was a real gun and them my instincts just took over . “
Students are seen in the video running away as Lowe takes the gun from Granados-Diaz. After handing the gun off to another teacher, Lowe grabs Granados-Diaz into a hug.
“I just wanted to let him know that I was there for him. I told him I was there to save him. I was there for a reason and that this is a life worth living. ”Lowe said afterward.
“The universe works in amazing ways. I’m lucky and I’m happy that I was in that classroom for all those kids and I was able to prevent that tragedy, “he said.
Later, police are shown arriving at the school and taking Granados-Diaz into custody. No one at the school was injured.
Granados-Diaz has remained in custody sincehe was arrested in May. Last week, hepleaded guilty to two chargesrelated to having a loaded gun in a public place.
Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Parakram Singh said, “Through the course of the investigation it became clear to law enforcement and our office that Mr. Granados-Diaz did not have the intent to hurt anyone other than himself while at Parkrose High School, ”NBC afiliate KGW reported.
The resolution of the case helps Granados-Diaz address his suicidal ideations and ensures a level of accountability for taking a loaded gun to school, Singh added.
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