Staff Reports
HOBBS, N.M. — Hobbs Police Chief James Jones briefed the public on Sept. 27, addressing the shooting of a teacher at Highland Middle School on Sept. 25.
At 11:39 am, officers responded to Highland Middle School after an initial report of a stabbing was updated to a possible shooting, Jones said. Two officers arrived in less than a minute, and Highland and Coronado middle schools were placed on lockdown.
Authorities said teacher Kelly Matthews was shot by a student outside the rear doors of a building. The student had been inside the school and then exited. As Matthews encountered the juvenile, the student started to fire. Police said the suspect fled east toward a residential area.
A blade was also found near the scene. EMS took Matthews to a Hobbs hospital within minutes, and he was later transferred to Lubbock.
Officers established a perimeter around both schools. Statements from the victim helped authorities idenitfy the suspect as a white male wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and a long white shirt.
Authorities located him moments later, but he began running from officers.
The student has been charged with aggravated assault and battery of a school personnel, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon and shooting threats, and evading law enforcement, among other charges.
Officials said the motive is still unclear, and they have not determined if Matthews was a pre-identified target. They said there has been no established history of criminal offenses with this student.
Officials said they know how the student obtained the firearm but said they are withholding that information at this time. No criminal charges have been pursued against the parents at this time.
Jones said there would be a heightened police presence at the school over the next several days. Classes resumed Sept. 28.
