A science teacher was shot three times stopping a school shooter in Indiana

A student opened fire in a science class at a middle school near Indianapolis on Friday, critically injuring a 13-year-old girl and a teacher.

The science teacher, identified in press reports as Jason Seaman, was shot three times when he ran at the shooter, swatted the gun out of his hand and tackled him, potentially saving the lives of more students.

“If it weren’t for him, more of us would have been injured for sure,” seventh-grade student Ethan Stonebraker, told AP.

The incident began shortly before 9 a.m. in Noblesville, about 30 miles north of Indianapolis. Noblesville Police Department Chief Kevin Jowitt said that the male suspect had asked to be excused from class at Noblesville West Middle School. He returned with two handguns and began firing.

The suspect, who has only been described as a male student, is now in custody. Officials have not named the suspect or detailed any charges against him.

Jowitt said the situation was “resolved very quickly,” and while the school did have a school resource officer in the building, it was unclear what role the officer played in subduing the shooter.

In addition to a science teacher, Seaman is a football coach. His brother, Jeremy Seaman, told Indy Star that his brother is undergoing surgery.

“It’s not surprising, to be honest. He’s not really ever been the person to run away,” Jason Seaman said. “When the safety of the kids is at hand, it’s not surprising to me that he was going to do what he had to do.”

One of the parents said his seventh grade daughter was in that classroom during the shooting. “She kept saying, ‘I saw my teacher get shot,’” the parent said.

Students at the middle school were bussed to the high school so their parents could pick them up.

Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said in a statement, “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this horrible situation.”

The Indiana State Teachers Association released a statement that says in part: "This national crisis has landed in our backyard. We all have a responsibility to keep our kids safe from violence, and it’s unconscionable that they live in fear that one day their school may be next. When is enough enough?"

Vice President Mike Pence, former governor of Indiana, sent his thoughts and prayers.

Cover image: Google Streetview