Army veteran Patrick Shields stops shooter at high school football game
The quick thinking of Patrick Shields kept a bad situation from potentially becoming much worse.
A homecoming celebration quickly transitioned to dangerous chaos Friday night after a football game in Tennessee, but the quick thinking of a civilian kept a bad situation from potentially becoming much worse.
Two victims – Demetrius Harper and Cameshia Murphy – were shot, according to a report from the Brownsville Police Department. Both were treated and released. Harper was hit twice in the back and Murphy was hit in the foot.
The shooter, a 16-year-old juvenile, was quickly apprehended – thanks to Patrick Shields.
Shields is a 1996 graduate of Haywood High School who has served in the Army for 22 years, including three deployments. He currently serves in the National Guard.
He watched his son, Taylor, and the rest of the Tomcat football team win their homecoming game over neighboring rival Crockett County on Friday night.
But he didn’t expect his military training to become necessary while he and his brother were cleaning up their tailgating area after the game.
“My brother and I were cleaning up, and we heard a bunch of kids hollering and yelling across the street at Walgreen’s, but we didn’t know what was going on,” Shields said. “Then we heard sounds like fireworks … like pow pow pow.
“And I looked over there and saw the flame coming out of a pistol, and a bunch of the kids were running toward us.”
Shields said he saw the shooter and the gun in his hand.
“It looked like he was aiming for one person, but I don’t know who,” Shields said. “They were all running toward us, but he wasn’t shooting in our direction.”
Shields said he had a few seconds to decide what he would do when he got within arm’s length of the shooter.
“I grabbed him by the arm that was holding the gun and pulled him toward me and threw him up against the fence,” Shields said. “Then I grabbed him by the back of the shirt and got him on the ground.”
A police officer was already headed in that direction and he was there quickly. Brownsville Police Assistant Chief Kelvin Evans was on the scene quickly as well and helped put handcuffs on the suspect and take him away.
The shooter is charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. He’s being held in the juvenile detention center.
A statement from Brownsville Police Chief Barry Diebold commended Shields for his work.
“Mr. Shields’ quick thinking saved many lives,” Diebold’s said.
Source: Army veteran Patrick Shields stops shooter at high school football game
Category: Veterans in the news
BZ Mr. Shields! No telling how many lives you may have saved that night.
Maybe Brownsville PD should think about hiring Mr. Shields.
Great job!
Concur!
From an old retired LEO and glad you concur.
Enjoy your retirement, 1stSGT!
Everyone ran from the shooter. One man didn’t. And that was the difference. I’m glad it worked out. I imagine the punk with the gun has diamond impressions on his face–from the fence Shields (name!) knocked his sorry ass into.
Isn’t that typical of a great many military personnel?
Good for him! Doing it right!
Bravo Zulu, Mr. Shields- damn fine job!
Well done, well done indeed, Mr. Shields.
BZ!
Demetrius and Cameshia.
Are we allowed to play scrabble when the story isn’t in the Feel Good category?
That’s rassist. Or something. Me, too.
Well done Soldier!
Someone needs to submit him for a Soldiers Medal…
THIS^^^^!!!
I see someone like this doing something absolutely wonderful, something that keeps other people from getting badly hurt or dying, and then I look at that bunch of TG numbskulls on the other post, and ask ‘which person would I rather hang out with?’
Hint: it’s either this guy, or Zorro.
Mr Shields shielding others from harm.
Good job, soldier.
Just shows You can take the Man out of the Army but you can’t take the lessons learnt out of the Man. A Soldier is a Person who signs on for life to protect those who need protection and those who savage the image of a Soldier.
Well done Mr Shields, and God Bless you for your bravery and dedication to the Freedom of all.
I wish more kids had someone good and courageous like Patrick Shields in their lives.
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Running TOWARDS danger……
‘Nuff said.
You can see it in the actions and habits of those with fours years service, or 40 yrs. A reflex response that you have to be responsible and take charge when all else is chaotic. Starts with making your “better bounce a quarter” bed in boot camp and sitting cross legged polishing your low quarter shoes. Team work and respect for your leaders gets in your brain and NEVER leaves. Thank you brother for your bravery. CAPT Bones USN (ret)
Not a civilian. A veteran. And if he’s still serving in the NG- a member of the organized militia.