Hobbs, N.M. – A teacher at Highland Middle School was shot multiple times early Friday morning, prompting a rapid police response and the detention of a male juvenile suspect after a brief foot pursuit.
Details of the incident
The victim, identified by his family as Kelly Matthews, was reportedly walking either through the school parking lot or between buildings when he encountered the suspect. According to Matthews’ daughter, who spoke by phone, the teacher was hit once in the stomach and once in the hip, with a possible third bullet grazing him.
“From what I know, he was walking either through the parking lot or between buildings. He’s a teacher, and he came across the suspect,” she said.
Police response
Law enforcement officials arrived on scene quickly and pursued a male juvenile on foot. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody, though police have not confirmed whether the individual is a student at the middle school.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown. Matthews’ daughter expressed concern that the incident could have been part of a larger, planned attack.
“We don’t know if he was a targeted victim or if he was just the first victim in what was to be a planned mass shooting,” she said.
Family reaction and community impact
Matthews has spent his entire career teaching, and his family is grappling with the violence that struck their loved one. His daughter emphasized that thoughts and prayers alone are insufficient.
“Thoughts and prayers are not enough, and something has to change. I’m so tired. I mean, it could have been another Sandy Hook, and I’m so exhausted. I’ve got a 4‑week‑old baby that I’m about to send off to school one day, and reform needs to happen,” she said.
The family reported that Matthews underwent surgery at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, and is currently recovering.
Community response
Local residents and school officials have expressed shock and concern, calling for increased safety measures at schools throughout the region. While no official policy changes have been announced, the incident has reignited discussions about school security and the need for proactive community involvement.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
