DALLAS – A 17-year-old boy, Tracy Haynes Jr., has turned himself in to authorities following a shooting incident at Wilmer-Hutchins High School. The teen expressed fears for his safety as his reason for surrendering, according to a representative from a local non-profit organization.

Incident Overview

Haynes surrendered at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center late Tuesday evening, around 9 p.m. He has been booked into the Dallas County Jail, facing four counts of aggravated assault linked to a mass shooting, a serious first-degree felony.

Authorities reported that the shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m., when Haynes allegedly opened fire inside the school, hitting four students. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with Haynes purportedly shooting at students indiscriminately, even targeting one who was unable to escape.

Fortunately, all four victims are expected to survive; two have already been discharged from the hospital, while the other two continue to receive medical care.

Mediation and Surrender

Antong Lucky, an advocate from the non-profit Urban Specialist, played a pivotal role in facilitating Haynes’s surrender. His team was initially reaching out to the victims when they were contacted by Haynes’s aunt, who expressed her desire to protect her nephew from harm.

After a series of discussions, including a conversation between Lucky and a detective, Haynes ultimately agreed to come to Lucky’s office to turn himself in. He arrived at the justice center following this discussion.

Context of the Shooting

The shooting incident comes amid ongoing concerns about school safety. In recent comments, Lucky mentioned that Haynes had made vague references to threats he had been facing from other individuals prior to the shooting, suggesting a potential motive rooted in fear and self-defense.

Current Investigation Status

As the investigation continues, questions remain unanswered regarding the exact motive behind the shooting and whether the victims were specifically targeted or simply bystanders caught in the chaos. Surveillance footage has emerged, indicating that Haynes was let into the school through an unsecured door by an unidentified student.

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has not yet clarified whether the student who allowed Haynes access will face any repercussions and is expected to hold a press conference to address safety measures moving forward.

What Lies Ahead

The situation continues to evolve, with local officials and the community grappling with the implications of violence in schools. As investigations proceed, the safety of students remains a top priority for authorities.

DISD is set to discuss these matters in further detail in a forthcoming press conference aimed at ensuring that school environments are secure for all students.