A deadly shooting near Forney schools on Friday afternoon left one man dead and another critically injured, prompting an emergency lockdown across several campuses and sending shockwaves through the local community. Authorities have since taken two suspects into custody.
The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. near Windmill Farms Boulevard and Reeder Road, close to Brown Middle School. According to Kaufman County Precinct 2 Constable Jason Johnson, the situation began with an altercation between individuals inside a white vehicle and pedestrians near Chisholm Trail and Spyglass Drive. The confrontation escalated quickly into an exchange of gunfire.
Following the gunfire, the white car sped off but eventually stopped at Brown Middle School, where emergency responders were quickly dispatched. The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one adult male was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was rushed to a Dallas-area hospital in critical condition.
The sheriff’s office provided an update shortly after 6:30 p.m., confirming that two male suspects had been taken into custody. Authorities assured residents that there was no ongoing threat and that no additional suspects were being sought.
“No incidents occurred inside our campuses,” Forney Independent School District (ISD) emphasized in a statement to parents. The district explained that as a precaution, six nearby schools were placed on “secure” status. These schools included North Forney High School, Brown Middle School, Smith Intermediate, Dewberry Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, and Forney Learning Academy. During this protocol, all exterior doors were locked, and no one was permitted to enter or exit, though regular activities continued inside.
Just after 3 p.m., Forney ISD informed parents that secure status had been lifted at five campuses, allowing students to resume normal dismissal routines. However, Brown Middle School remained under heightened security for a short time longer before being cleared.
“We will begin early dismissal of students from Brown at this time,” the district announced shortly before 3:30 p.m. “Student walkers will be released at their regular time of 4 p.m. Bus routes may be slightly delayed. Staff will remain on campus with students through the dismissal process. Thank you for your understanding as we work to get students home safely.”
The Kaufman County Criminal Investigative Division, along with the Texas Rangers, arrived on the scene to lead the investigation. Detectives began collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining security footage to determine the events that led to the shooting. While details remain scarce, authorities have promised to release additional information as the investigation progresses.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available,” the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office stated late Friday.
Residents and parents expressed a range of emotions, from fear to gratitude, as the situation came under control. “It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen near a school,” said local parent Rachel Martin. “I’m relieved that the school acted quickly to secure the kids and keep them safe.”
Community leaders and law enforcement are now urging calm as they work to uncover the motive behind the incident. In the meantime, they are emphasizing the importance of vigilance and community cooperation to prevent further violence.
“We never expected something like this in our town,” said Daniel Reyes, a Forney resident. “We need to come together as a community to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. As the community processes the tragic events of the day, authorities remain focused on maintaining safety and delivering justice for the victims.
