Group of tactically trained 'band dads' take down elderly active shooter at Texas high school | Law Enforcement Today

PASADENA, TX - Four dads who are in a band and who also happen to be tactically trained are being hailed heroes after they took down an active shooter who opened fire at a band competition at a high school in Texas. 

According to Fox News, authorities with the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) said that 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly opened fire at a high school's band competition in the evening hours on Saturday, February 1st. The incident happened around 6:00 p.m. when an elderly man, identified as Brandl, walked into the entrance of the auditorium after a drum line competition carrying a handgun that he fired off.

Angelton ISD said that Brandl got off two shots, with one striking a door and another hitting a 26-year-old in the shoulder. The victim is a percussion technical consultant for Angelton High School and was taken to a Houston hospital, where he never lost consciousness and is expected to make a full recovery.

Within moments of firing off his weapon, Brandl was tackled to the ground by a parent in attendance at the event. The school district confirmed that the Pasadena ISD police, a civilian, and several good Samaritans immediately apprehended the suspect. The heroes have been identified as Air Force veteran Abram Trevino, Army veteran Adam Curow, Marine veteran Efrain (Polo) Castillo, and Houston Police Department (HPD) Sgt. Joe Sanchez. 

Trevino and Curow both served for 13 years, and Castillo served for four. Sanchez has worked for HPD for 32 years. Curow said in a statement, "As soon as everyone was screaming and yelling, gunshots fired, Joe and myself looked at each other and ran straight to the door. By the time we got inside, Polo and Abram were right behind us as a band dad team."

Sanchez said, "I grabbed his arms while Adam took the gun out. Once the gun was removed from his hands, we had no handcuffs, so I took my belt off and made a handcuff." The four med restrained Brandl until law enforcement arrived at the school. Trevor said, "I think anybody with our collective backgrounds would just do that out of nature."

Police are still unsure of the motive behind Brandl and the shooting, but they are "confident that the actions of the bystanders will prove to be heroic." In a statement on Facebook, Pasadena police wrote, "We are grateful for the brave citizens and the officers who were on the scene for security at the game and courageously stepped up to detain the shooter and prevent any possible further violence."

HPD praised Sanchez and thanked him for his selfless act. They wrote on X, "When danger struck, HPD Sergeant Joe Sanchez didn't hesitate ... This month, he marks 33 years with HPD. We're grateful for his service."

The school district has confirmed that Brandl was not affiliated with the band contest and authorities are currently investigating why he was at the campus. Police said Brandl claimed he was being chased by someone and that he was afraid he and his wife would be killed. He is currently being held without bond.

Pasadena Independent School District Superintendent DeeAnn Powell said in a statement, "Our thoughts and prayers are will all involved. I am so proud of our staff members, police from our district and city, and community members who made sure there was no further harm that could have taken place."