GREENSBORO, N.C. -- — Arresting Steve Spence stopped a possible tragedy, and it's all because of the heroics of three people.
School Resource Officer D.K. Evans, Assistant Principal Lashonti Hines, and Administrative Staff Member Patrick Jordan.
"I walked a little closer, and that's when he pulled the gun out and said step back," Lashonti Hines, describes when she first encountered Spence.
"I was definitely caught off guard when I saw the firearm, but you don't have time to hesitate. It is literally a life or death situation," said Jordan.
A day people at Smith High School will never forget.
"Disbelief. It felt as if I was in a dream," said Jordan when he first saw the gun.
Patrick Jordan was the first to encounter Steve Spence.
Spence walked right past Jordan in the courtyard, towards the cafeteria.
"I sped up my steps and increased the volume of my voice. That's when he turned and showed me he had a gun," said Jordan.
Jordan tried to stay calm so he wouldn't alarm the cafeteria full of students. Assistant principal Lashonti Hines also made her way over. When she saw the gun, she and Jordan immediately called for a lockdown potentially saving countless lives.
"Our students moved swiftly. A lot of them even told me they saw my face, they saw my movement and they could tell something was serious. So when we made that call our kids were moving," said Hines.
School Resource Officer D.K. Evans was also instrumental in keeping everyone safe.
He's the one who eventually chased after and apprehended Spence.
People are calling the three heroes, but they don't see it that way.
"Like I said, when a problem presents itself, this is what we're here for, so this is what we do," said Hines.
"Heroes are things you read about growing up, you hear stories about. I think that I was just a person, an employee, a father that was doing the best he could in that moment," said Jordan. Jordan adds in father because one of his kids is a student at Smith High School, which made yesterday even tougher.
"When I walked through the door of my home it was an indescribable wave of emotion that poured over me. My wife, my children, even my dog – I was just happy to make it my home because initially, I find myself wondering could this potentially be my final moments," said Jordan.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Even though all three involved would never admit they’re heroes, we know that they truly are to the so many students, parents, and their community.
We wanted to share with you, in-depth their full interviews as their own words are so powerful and their actions led to the arrest of the gunman.
Lashonti Hines, Smith High Assistant Principal
“When I saw him his face looked a little concerning, so I continued to walk up and that’s when I saw a gentleman standing in the doorway that he was talking to.”
“I walked a little closer and that’s when he pulled the gun out and said step back, you got to get back. So that’s when I took off, got on the radio, called for a lockdown and tried to get as many kids in the building.”
“When I saw it what went through my mind was how are we going to get the kids on the inside? How am I going to call a lockdown without startling him really?”
“When a problem presents itself this is what we’re here for. This is what we do.”
“Our students moved swiftly. They saw my face, they saw my movement they could tell something was serious so when we made that call they were moving.”
Patrick Jordan, Behavioral Intervention Specialist
“I sped up my steps and increased the volume of my voice. That’s when he turned and showed me he had a gun and asked me to come over.”
“Disbelief. It felt as if I was in a dream -- the last thing you would expect to encounter. I kind of just let go and let God. I am a man of faith and I know for a fact he was there yesterday.”
“Words really can’t describe what I was going through at the time. Not only as a staff member, but one of my actual kids goes to the school.”
“I was really caught off guard when I saw the firearm, but you really don’t have an opportunity to hesitate. It’s literally a life or death situation.”
“Heroes are things you read about growing up – you hear stories. I think I was just a person, an employee, a father that was just doing the best he could in that moment.”
“When I walked through the door of my home it was an indescribable wave of emotion that poured over me. My wife, my children, even my dog – I was just happy to make it my home because initially, I find myself wondering could this potentially be my final moments?”