Bend community devastated by elementary school shooting; 3 young children, 1 teacher reported dead

The community of Bend was devastated by a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 15, that reportedly left at least three children and one adult dead.

Initial reports came in at 12:59 p.m. of a man shooting into a car at the school. Within a minute, dispatchers received additional 911 calls reporting that someone had entered the building and begun shooting, Bend Police said.

The suspect was shot and killed by a member of the community shortly after 1 p.m. and before police arrived.

Authorities confirmed that three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher were killed. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to St. Charles Bend with critical injuries.

The suspect was a 16-year-old armed with a shotgun, according to multiple reports which cited federal law enforcement sources.

Bend shooter killed by good samaritan community member

According to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz, a community member saw the shooter enter Silver Rail Elementary School and followed him inside.

The community member then shot and killed the shooter.

How did the shooting and emergency response unfold?

Here is the reported timeline of the shooting and response:

• 12:59 p.m.: The first call reported a man shooting into a car at Silver Rail Elementary.

• Within the next minute: More callers reported someone entering the school and shooting.

• 1:02 p.m.: Officers arrived. Seconds later, they reported that the suspect had been shot and killed. Who fired the fatal shot remained unconfirmed.

• By 1:26 p.m.: Police had directed families to Journey Church, 61303 S. Highway 97, for reunification.

• 2:01 p.m.: Police announced a briefing expected around 2:15 p.m. at American Lane and Kira Drive.

• 3:02 p.m.: A police release confirmed multiple victims, including children, and at least two people transported to St. Charles Bend. Their conditions were unknown. Classroom evacuations and bus transportation to the church were underway.

• 4 p.m.: CBS News reported that a bystander killed the suspect, identified by its law enforcement sources as a 16-year-old. Police had not publicly confirmed those details in their published release.

• 5:30 p.m.: Authorities confirmed that a male armed with a long gun fired through the elementary school’s doors before entering and opening fire. A community member who saw him enter followed him into the school and shot and killed him with their own firearm.

• 5:35 p.m.: A news conference announced that three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher were killed. A 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to St. Charles Bend with critical injuries.

What have school and federal officials said?

“We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy,” Superintendent Steven Cook said in a statement.

Cook said supporting students and staff and assisting emergency responders were the district’s immediate priorities.

“This is the kind of thing we never want to see happen in Bend. It’s devastating,” Bend police spokesperson Sheila Miller said.

The FBI is assisting with the investigation, Director Kash Patel said, according to ABC News.

Police asked the public to avoid the school and church.

This is a developing story.