Facebook page thanks 'heroic teacher' at Perry Hall HS

Students at Perry Hall High School have started a Facebook page thanking a guidance counselor they are crediting with saving many lives Monday.

Hundreds of comments have already appeared on the page that offers thanks and support for school guidance counselor Jesse Wasmer.

Wasmer has been named by several students as the person who tackled a 15-year-old student believed to have fired a shot in the school cafeteria during the first lunch period of the day.

Several students told ABC2 reporters that Mr. Wasmer grabbed the gunman and was able to subdue him. Students say a second shot was fired into the ceiling during the struggle.

Officials say they believe the shooter was in the cafeteria and being teased.

Several roads in the area were blocked in response to the incident, and the school was been placed on lockdown. Officers with the US Marshals and the Maryland State Police were called in to help manage the incident.

"I just want to offer reassurance to everyone that the police department has the situation well under control," said Baltimore County executive Kevin Kamenetz. "It was an isolated incident involving one particular individual. ...The school system acted properly, was able to move the children out of harms way immediately and according to established protocol. The students have all reacted in an appropriate and responsible manner."

A 17-year-old student is currently being cared for at a local hospital for a gunshot wound as a result of the incident.

Kamentez said there is much to be said about the faculty members at Perry Hall High School. He said without their actions either directly or indirectly, "more harm could have occurred. ( FULL STORY )