A group of heroic Texas fathers with military and law enforcement backgrounds swiftly thwarted a potential tragedy at Pasadena Memorial High School during a band competition.
At a Glance
- An 83-year-old man opened fire at Pasadena Memorial High School during a band competition
- Four fathers with military and law enforcement experience tackled and disarmed the shooter
- The suspect, Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., injured a percussion consultant who is now in stable condition
- The fathers’ quick actions have been praised as extraordinary heroism by school officials and the community
Brave Fathers Spring into Action
On a day meant for music and competition, chaos erupted at Pasadena Memorial High School in the Houston metro area when an elderly man opened fire during a band event. The incident could have ended in tragedy if not for the swift and courageous actions of four fathers who were present at the competition.
Abram Trevino, Adam Curow, Efrain “Polo” Castillo, and Joe Sanchez, all members of the Pearland Band Dads group, sprang into action when 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. began shooting. The men, who collectively boast over three decades of military experience, along with Sanchez’s background as a Houston Police Department sergeant, demonstrated exceptional bravery as they tackled and disarmed the suspect.
The incident unfolded rapidly, with the fathers responding within moments of hearing the commotion. Joe Sanchez, the police sergeant, recounted the intense situation: “People were coming out screaming, saying, ‘Active shooter, active shooter,’ so me and Polo were with the same prop, dropped everything and ran through the lobby door.”.
“It felt like an eternity, but I think it was like a minute or so,” Abram Trevino also said.
The group’s quick thinking and coordinated efforts were crucial in subduing Brandl and preventing further injuries.
“I grabbed his arms while Adam took the gun out. Then once the gun was out of his hand, we had no handcuffs so I took a my belt and made a handcuff,” Sanchez said.
Suspect Apprehended, Victim Stable
The shooting left one victim injured – a percussion consultant in his mid-twenties who is now reported to be in stable condition. Brandl, who used a small caliber weapon during the incident, claimed he was being pursued and feared for his and his wife’s safety. “He was being chased by someone and feared he and his wife were going to be killed,” Brandl reportedly told authorities.
Pasadena Police Chief Jerry Wright praised the fathers’ actions, stating, “Within 60 seconds a suspect was disarmed and they prevented further shooting by this suspect.”
Brandl has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is awaiting transfer to Harris County Jail with a bond set at $80,000. The shooter and victim had no prior contact, adding to the seemingly random nature of the attack.
The bravery displayed by the Pearland Band Dads has not gone unnoticed. Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger commended their actions, saying, “Could not be more Pearland proud — they will tell you they are just [Pearland High School] dads — but their selfless response makes them heroes to all of us.”
“These individuals did not hesitate to jump into action to save lives, plain and simple. Yet, it cannot be underestimated, what these individuals did that day. They are heroes,” the One in Five Foundation for Kids also said.
The foundation plans to present heroism awards to the four men, recognizing their extraordinary courage in the face of danger. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that trained and vigilant community members can have in maintaining safety and potentially saving lives in crisis situations.