Cops in Hobbs, New Mexico, arrest 13-year-old Ryker Teel after he allegedly shot a middle school teacher (Hobbs Police via KCBD).
A 13-year-old New Mexico boy allegedly took his father's gun from a safe and went to his middle school, where he shot a teacher before asking "is he dead?" as he was being arrested.
Ryker Teel is charged with aggravated battery on school personnel, making shooting threats and tampering with evidence.
The Hobbs Police Department responded around 11:40 a.m. Sept. 25 to Highland Middle School for what was initially described as a stabbing. But when officers arrived, they found the victim, teacher Kelly Matthews, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
School staff were helping Matthews when cops arrived.
"We ran out there because he hollered, he says, 'I need help, I've been shot, please help me, I don't wanna die,'" a staff member said, according to body camera video obtained by local NBC affiliate KCBD and Fox affiliate KRQE.
Matthews gave cops a description of the suspect, saying he was a young person wearing glasses and a "mask of some kind."
"He just turned around and started shooting at him," an officer said over the radio.
Officers found the suspect matching the description and took him into custody after a short chase. They asked his name.
"Ryker Teel, sir," the boy said.
Then the boy apologized.
"Is he dead?" Teel asked. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Is he dead?"
Matthews was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His condition has since improved, and he is expected to start physical therapy soon.
Cops later learned that Teel's twin brother, who also attends the school, was in a classroom at the time of the shooting.
During an interview with detectives, with his parents present, Teel said he grabbed his dad's gun from a safe and went to the school planning to shoot "anyone" and randomly chose Matthews as his victim.
Teel's parents released a statement to local media through their attorney.
"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken over the tragic event that took place at Hobbs Highland Middle School. We have and will continue to pray for the well-being and healing of the victim, his family, and the community," the statement said.
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