Officials identified the school resource officer who confronted a gunman at Dixon High School in Illinois on Wednesday as Mark Dallas. Dallas was hailed as a hero for stopping the shooter, who opened fire near the high school gym.
Dallas was placed on administrative leave as per protocol, police confirmed. Dixon Mayor Liandri Arellano Jr. commended the officer for his actions.
"A lot of things went right today when a great many of them could have gone wrong," he said. "Things could have gone much worse."
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner also praised Dallas.
"Today, we should all be very thankful to school resource officer Mark Dallas for his bravery and quick action to immediately diffuse a dangerous situation at Dixon High School," Rauner wrote on Twitter.
So grateful for the heroic actions of the Dixon police officer who stopped the armed gunman at Dixon high school. All staff and students are safe, no injuries.
— Danny Langloss (@DannyLangloss) May 16, 2018
The incident occurred Wednesday morning at the school, some 100 miles west of Chicago, while students were reportedly practicing for graduation. The suspect, identified as a 19-year-old former student, fired several shots near the gym. Dallas then pursued him, and the suspect opened fire. Dallas shot back, injuring the 19-year-old.
"As we continue to gather more information about the shooting incident at Dixon High School this morning, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Dixon Police Department, and especially the School Resource Officer (SRO) on site, for their swift action today and for keeping our students, teachers and our community safe," Representative Adam Kinzinger said in a statement.
The suspect was transported for medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. No students or staff were injured.
"We're lucky the officer was there," said City Manager Danny Langloss, according to Sauk Valley Media. "His brave actions saved a lot of lives."
