A 13-year-old student is in custody after a shooting critically wounded middle school teacher Kelly Matthews outside Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico. The incident occurred shortly before noon on Friday near the rear doors of the school building.
Hobbs Police Chief James Jones stated that the suspect walked outside between classes, confronted Matthews around a building corner, and immediately opened fire before fleeing toward a nearby residential area. Officers apprehended the teenager a few blocks away after a short foot pursuit and recovered a semi-automatic handgun believed to be the weapon used in the assault.
Teacher’s Condition and Immediate Response
School nurses provided immediate medical assistance to Matthews before emergency responders arrived and transported him for advanced medical care. According to police updates shared during a Sunday news conference, Matthews remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Hobbs Police Department officials confirmed that the suspect faces serious charges, including aggravated assault on school personnel, making shooting threats, and unlawfully carrying a deadly weapon. Investigators have not yet established a motive for the attack, and police noted no evidence indicates Matthews was specifically targeted beforehand.
School District and Community Response
Hobbs Schools Board President Terry O’Brien commended the rapid intervention of law enforcement officers, noting that their quick actions prevented further violence on the campus.
Following the shooting, local officials announced that classes will resume on Monday. To reassure students and families, the Hobbs Police Department is increasing its uniformed officer presence across local educational facilities, focusing heavily on security at Highland Middle School.
