South Florida High School Shooting Suspect Apprehended

By: Miguel Munoz, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2018

A beautiful Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2018) at Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida was abruptly ended as a fire alarm rang several minutes before dismissal time and students began to exit their classrooms in observance of the fire drill when suddenly firearm gunshots. were heard and some students ran outside the school while other returned inside the high school unsure of what was happening as the school intercom announced “Code Red,” signifying the school was going into a lockdown.  

A former Stoneman Douglas high school student walked onto campus and began opening fire into students and teachers, injuring and killing multiple people. Teachers, administration, and staff immediately implemented Code Red’s lockdown in a desperate attempt to protect and save the lives of their high school students whom suddenly came under attack by this lone wolf gunman.  Some witnesses recognized the gunman and advised law enforcement authorities upon their arrival to school. 

The gunman created as much damage and carnage as possible and briskly walked away from the school into the Parkland, Florida community while a massive law enforcement response arrived on campus, including the Broward County SWAT team, Parkland Police Department, School Police, and surrounding area law enforcement agencies.

Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie stated that “It’s a day that you pray every day when you get up that you will never have to see. It is in front of us. I ask the community for prayer and their support for the children and their families.” 

Superintendent Runcie announced that there were multiple fatalities as a result of the tragic mayhem wielded by the lone gunman.  

Law enforcement authorities quickly responded upon the tips provided to them by witnesses and immediately proceeded to search for and locate the horrific gunman responsible for this American tragedy.

The lone gunman was identified as 19 year old Nicolas de Jesus Cruz, a former student at Stoneman Douglas High School, and trapped the gunman and took him into custody at an apartment complex. Nicolas de Jesus Cruz is expected to be charged with multiple murder and attempted murder charges.

Law enforcement authorities continued clearing the interior of the high school seeking for students in hiding or wounded as well as any possible gunmen.

Over 20 persons have been injured and at least 17 persons have died from the gunshots.