A terrifying incident at Pasadena Memorial High School turned into a story of bravery and quick thinking when four Pearland dads jumped into action to stop an armed suspect. The group, known as the Pearland Band Dads, were volunteering at a band competition when gunfire erupted, causing panic among the crowd.
Chaos Erupts: The Active Shooter Scare
The peaceful atmosphere of the band event quickly turned chaotic on Saturday night when shouts of “Active shooter!” filled the air. People ran in fear, unsure of what was happening. Amid the confusion, four courageous men—Air Force veteran Abram Trevino, Army veteran Adam Curow, Marine Corps veteran Efrain ‘Polo’ Castillo, and Houston Police Sergeant Joe Sanchez—did not hesitate to step up.
The Pearland Band Dads Take Action
Instead of running from the danger, the Band Dads sprinted towards it. Inside the building, they found a man struggling to hold down the armed suspect. Without thinking twice, they joined the effort to subdue him.
“I grabbed his arms while Adam took the gun,” recalled Sanchez. With no handcuffs available, he quickly used his belt to restrain the suspect. Curow made sure the weapon was secure, placing it behind his back to prevent anyone else from accessing it. A bystander captured the dramatic moment on a cell phone, showing the dads bravely holding the suspect down.
Details About the Armed Suspect
The suspect was later identified as 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. According to police, Brandl claimed he believed someone was chasing him and trying to kill him. He had left his home in Spring, Texas, and ended up at Pasadena Memorial High School, where he shot a man in his 20s. Thankfully, the victim is expected to recover.
Community Pride: Pearland’s Strong Spirit
Pearland High School’s Director of Percussion, Clay Jasper, witnessed the heroic act and wasn’t surprised by the dads’ courage.
“It was incredible but also not unexpected,” Jasper said. “The Pearland community is built different, and all these band parents are just different—they’re incredible. It was not unexpected to see them jump in like that and just do what needs to be done because that’s what they do in this community, for the band program, and for the school as a whole.”
This sense of duty and strong community support is what Pearland is known for, making it no surprise that these dads acted so swiftly and fearlessly.
Legal Action Against the Suspect
Brandl Jr. is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently awaiting transfer to Harris County Jail, and no bond has been set as of now.
The quick actions of the Pearland Band Dads likely prevented further injuries and possibly saved lives. Their bravery is a powerful reminder of how ordinary people can become heroes in moments of crisis. This incident not only highlights their courage but also showcases the strength and unity of the Pearland community.
FAQ
Who are the Pearland Band Dads?
The Pearland Band Dads are a group of volunteer fathers from Pearland, Texas, who support their children’s band activities. Four of them heroically stopped an armed suspect at Pasadena Memorial High School.
What happened at Pasadena Memorial High School?
An armed suspect opened fire during a band competition, causing panic. The Pearland Band Dads intervened, disarmed the suspect, and restrained him until police arrived.
Who was the suspect in the incident?
The suspect was identified as 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., who claimed he believed someone was chasing him. He shot a man in his 20s, who is expected to recover.
Were there any injuries?
Yes, a man in his 20s was shot but is expected to recover. Thanks to the quick actions of the Pearland Band Dads, no further injuries occurred.
What charges is the suspect facing?
Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is awaiting transfer to Harris County Jail without bond.
