A group of four tactically trained “band dads” took swift actions that helped prevent a bigger tragedy by apprehending an active shooter at a high school band competition in Texas.
83-year-old Dennis Brandl was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after opening fire at a local high school’s band competition, as confirmed by the Pasadena Police Department.
Around 6 p.m. on Sunday, Brandl entered the auditorium after a drum line competition at the high school. He was carrying a handgun and fired two shots, one hitting a door and another injuring a 26-year-old in the shoulder.
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A group of four tactically trained “band dads” jumped into action Saturday and apprehended an active shooter at a band competition at Pasadena Memorial High School.
(FOX 26 Houston)
The victim, a percussion technical consultant for Angleton High School, was taken to a Houston hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery.
Brandl was tackled by a parent at the event after firing the gun and was apprehended by Pasadena ISD police, a civilian, and several good Samaritans.
FOX 26 Houston identified the heroes as Air Force veteran Abram Trevino, Army veteran Adam Curow, Marine veteran Efrain (Polo) Castillo, and Houston Police Department Sgt. Joe Sanchez.
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Four “band dads” took down 83-year-old Dennis Brandl after police said he opened fire at a Texas high school band competition.
(Pasadena (Texas) Police Department)
Trevino and Curow served for 13 years, Castillo for four, and Sanchez for 32 years with the Houston Police Department.
“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,” Curow told FOX 26.
“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,” Sanchez described to FOX 26.
The four men restrained Brandl until law enforcement arrived.
“I think anybody with our collective backgrounds would just do that just out of nature,” Trevino said.
Police are uncertain of the motive for the shooting but commend the heroic actions of the bystanders.
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Officials say an 83-year-old man opened fire at a band competition at a Texas high school on Sunday night.
(FOX 26 Houston)
“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,” Pasadena police wrote in a statement on their Facebook page.
The Houston Police Department praised Sanchez and thanked him for this selfless act.
“When danger struck, HPD Sergeant Joe Sanchez didn’t hesitate,” the department wrote in a statement on X.
“While attending a band competition at a Pasadena school, Sgt. Sanchez was among those who quickly stepped up to protect lives. This month, he marks 33 years with HPD. We’re grateful for his service.”
The school district mentioned that Brandl was not affiliated with the band contest, and an investigation is underway to determine why he was on the campus.
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Brandl claimed he was being chased by someone and feared for his and his wife’s lives, according to police.
He is currently held without bond.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with 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,” Pasadena Independent School District Superintendent DeeAnn Powell wrote in a statement.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]
