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Keanon Lowe on stopping Parkrose gunman: ‘I’m blessed to be alive and extremely happy that the students are safe’

"When confronted with the test the universe presented me with, I didn't see any other choice but to act. Thank God, I passed," Lowe said as part of a series of tweets.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Keanon Lowe, the man who tackled an 18-year-old student who showed up to Parkrose High School armed with a shotgun on Friday, said he had no choice but to act.

The scary situation unfolded shortly before noon on Friday. Officers responded to the school at 11:48 a.m.

No one was injured and students were reunited with parents.

Full story: Armed student at Parkose High School wrestled to ground

MORE: Parents reunite with kids after scare at Parkrose HS 

The confrontation between the armed student and Lowe, who is a football coach, track and field coach and security guard at the Northeast Portland school, occurred inside the school after the student entered a classroom. Police initially said the encounter happened near the school's tennis courts. Police recovered a gun at the scene. Police have not said whether shots were fired.

In a series of tweets Saturday afternoon, Lowe said he’s happy no one was hurt and is determined to be part of the solution to stop gun violence at schools.

“When I signed up to be a Security Guard, Football and Track & Field Coach for Parkrose High School, I did so to guide and coach young people whose shoes I had once been in. I had no idea, that I would one day have to put my life on the line like I did yesterday for my students.

“When confronted with the test the universe presented me with, I didn't see any other choice but to act. Thank God, I passed. I've spent the last 24 hours being more appreciative of my family and realizing we have a serious problem.

“I'm blessed to be alive and extremely happy that the students are safe. I'm not sure what's next, I haven't had the time to really think about it. But I am sure I want to be a part of the solution to school gun violence. Thank you @PortlandPolice for your help #ParkroseHighSchool.”

Student Sisi Fuapau said he saw Lowe take the armed student to the ground.

“It was crazy seeing him. He was a wide receiver for the Ducks. I didn’t know he could tackle like that. It was crazy,” Fuapau said.

Police on Saturday identified the student as 18-year-old Angel Granados Dias. A parent told The Oregonian students said Dias intended to use the gun to harm himself.

Photos: Police, parents respond to Parkrose High School 

Lowe took over as the school’s football coach last year. He led a team that was on a 23-game losing streak before he arrived to the 5A playoffs in his first season.

Read more from The Oregonian about Lowe’s first season as coach

Lowe was a receiver for the Oregon Ducks from 2011-2014 seasons. He was part of the team that reached the 2015 national championship game. In four seasons, Lowe had 68 receptions and 11 touchdowns. He was a beloved teammate who was noted for his leadership

Credit: University of Oregon
Keanon Lowe. Photo from 2014 when he was a wide receiver for the Oregon Ducks football team.

Before attending the University of Oregon, Lowe was a star player at Jesuit High School.

When word of Lowe’s courageous actions spread, many in the Portland community, and beyond, commended Lowe and hailed him as a hero.

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