Officials say the rapid response prevented possible harm on campus.
HAMMOND, La. — A school resource officer disarmed a 13-year-old boy Tuesday morning after authorities say the teen shot his father in a school car line, prompting a lockdown at Tangipahoa Alternative School and a multi-agency response.
The incident unfolded quickly and forced school officials to activate emergency procedures as students arrived for the day. Law enforcement officials said the presence of trained officers on campus played a key role in containing the situation within minutes. Investigators are now examining how the weapon was obtained and what events led to the shooting.
Authorities said the confrontation began as a routine drop-off. The teen reportedly argued with his father about attending school and refused to exit the vehicle. A school resource officer approached during the dispute, and the father decided to leave the campus with his son. As the vehicle moved away from the drop-off area, a shot was fired from inside, striking the father.
The vehicle then accelerated uncontrollably across the street and crashed into a residential home. Neighbors described hearing a loud impact and screams coming from the vehicle. Police said a young child in the back seat was unharmed despite the crash. The home sustained damage, but no residents were injured.
Police said the teen exited the crashed vehicle holding a firearm and began walking toward the school building. A school resource officer immediately intervened, placing himself between the student and the campus. Officials said the officer disarmed the teen without gunfire and took him into custody within moments of the incident.
Law enforcement officials said the timing of the response was critical. Officers were on scene within about a minute of the initial radio call for assistance. The campus, which has security measures including resource officers and controlled access points, was placed on lockdown. Students were moved into classrooms, and doors were secured until the situation was declared safe.
School officials said the lockdown was lifted before midday after authorities confirmed there was no continuing threat. Counselors were deployed to support students and staff affected by the incident. The school serves a specialized student population, and administrators emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment following the disruption.
The father was taken to a nearby hospital, where officials said he was initially in critical condition but later stabilized. Authorities have not released names due to the involvement of a minor. The teen is expected to be held in a juvenile detention facility as the case proceeds.
Police said investigators are still working to determine the source of the firearm and the teen’s intent after leaving the vehicle. Officials said they do not yet know whether the teen planned to enter the school or target others, but credited the officer’s intervention with stopping any potential escalation.
Community members expressed concern over the violence but also gratitude that the situation was resolved without additional injuries. Some said the incident highlights the importance of school security and rapid emergency response protocols.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, with additional details expected as evidence is reviewed and juvenile proceedings begin.
The case remains active, and officials said updates will follow as the legal process moves forward and the injured father continues recovery.
Author note: Last updated April 15, 2026.