Key takeaways:

• A gunman opened fire at a Texas high school band competition, injuring one person.
• Immediate intervention by parents led to the suspect's apprehension within minutes.
• The suspect, Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., entered the event with a small-caliber weapon.
• The injured individual is now in stable condition and expected to recover.
• Four local fathers, dubbed the "Pearland Dads," were hailed as heroes for their actions.

PASADENA, Texas — A dramatic incident unfolded at a band competition held at Pasadena Memorial High School on Saturday evening when a gunman opened fire, resulting in one injury. The assailant, identified as 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., discharged a weapon during the event, which was attended by students and parents from various school districts.

Thanks to the swift actions of some parents present, further violence was prevented. After Brandl discharged the firearm, a parent tackled him, allowing other fathers nearby to assist in restraining and disarming the suspect. Pasadena Police Chief Jerry Wright noted, “Within 60 seconds, a suspect was disarmed and they prevented further shooting by this suspect,” highlighting the urgency and heroism demonstrated by those involved.

The victim of the shooting was a percussion technical consultant affiliated with the Angleton Independent School District. He was shot in the shoulder, taken to a local hospital, and is currently in stable condition with expectations for a full recovery. Local authorities stated that the victim did not know Brandl prior to the incident.

The parents who intervened are part of a group known as the "Pearland Dads." Notably, they have military and law enforcement backgrounds which likely contributed to their decisive and effective response. CBS News reported that the fathers were helping to move equipment when chaos erupted; they dropped everything to respond as crowds screamed, "Active shooter!"

Sharing his experience, long-time police sergeant Joe Sanchez explained how he and his fellow fathers restrained Brandl. “I grabbed his arms while Adam took the gun out,” he recounted, illustrating the team effort involved in subduing the suspect and preventing potential further injuries.

Witnesses observed Brandl appearing confused and frightened, claiming someone was chasing him and threatening his life. According to police investigations, Brandl left his home in Spring, Texas, before arriving at the high school. He is now charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and awaits transfer to the Harris County Jail.

The community has rallied around the "Pearland Dads," praising their bravery. Superintendent Larry Berger from Pearland Independent School District commended their actions, affirming, “Their selfless response makes them heroes to all of us,” as stated in USA Today.

For more details on this ongoing story, please visit AP News.