An 83-year-old gunman was swiftly disarmed by courageous Texas fathers, preventing a potentially deadly incident during a band competition at Pasadena Memorial High School.
Quick Takes
- A shooting occurred at Pasadena Memorial High School during a band competition.
- The shooter was identified as Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., aged 83.
- Four fathers with military and police experience tackled and restrained the gunman before more harm was done.
- No bond was initially set; later reports indicate an $80,000 bond for the shooter.
The Scene at Pasadena Memorial
A tense and potentially tragic situation unfolded at Pasadena Memorial High School, part of the Houston metro area, during a lively band competition. An 83-year-old man, Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., opened fire, shattering the atmosphere. Brandl used a small caliber weapon, injuring a drumline technical consultant, a white male in his mid-twenties, who is now thankfully in stable condition.
The quick response was a testament to the training and valor of four fathers present. Abram Trevino, Adam Curow, Efrain “Polo” Castillo, and Joe Sanchez, known as the Pearland Band Dads, acted decisively. Armed with a combined three decades of military experience, these men brought an end to Brandl’s assault, preventing further injuries.
Cornerstones of Courage
The key players were no strangers to pressure. Joe Sanchez, a Houston Police Department sergeant, subdued Brandl using his belt as makeshift handcuffs. The elder gunman claimed he felt threatened and driven by fear; however, his actions left him charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
“I grabbed his arms while Adam took the gun out, and once the gun was removed from his hand, we had no handcuffs, so I took off my belt, made handcuffs, got his right arm secured, got his left arm secured,” said Sanchez, one of the fathers.
The school was temporarily locked down, and authorities praised the fathers’ brave involvement that day. Their efforts were a hallmark of swift action and dedication to public safety, described as heroes by both local community members and officials.
The Aftermath and Recognition
The community’s gratitude for these fathers’ fearless intervention was immense. Solidifying their status as local heroes, these men will be honored by The One in Five Foundation for Kids with heroism awards. Furthermore, Pearland Independent School District publicly lauded the fathers’ remarkable actions.
“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,” said Pearland ISD Superintendent Larry Berger on social media.
Brandl remains in custody. Charged and awaiting transfer to Harris County Jail, Brandl’s bond was finally set at $80,000, a reflection of the seriousness of the charge he faces. Thanks to the decisive actions of Trevino, Curow, Castillo, and Sanchez, a disaster was averted that day.
