New video shows moment 13-year-old suspect tried to enter Kenosha elementary school with airsoft rifle

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) – New surveillance video shows the moment a 13-year-old suspect attempted to get inside a Kenosha elementary school while armed with an airsoft rifle.

Police say a 13-year-old boy tried to get inside Roosevelt Elementary School Thursday, Nov. 8. No one was hurt and students returned to their classrooms Monday, Nov. 11, but the surveillance video shows the numerous attempts the boy -- who CBS 58 is not naming -- made to enter Roosevelt Elementary School and how one heroic teacher confronted the teen.

Newly-released video shows the moment the 13-year-old suspect carrying a duffel bag first tries to enter the school through a side door – all of which were locked. Then he walks through the parking lot and makes several laps around the perimeter of the building. Ten minutes later, he’s buzzed in through a set of doors.

That's where he’s confronted by teacher Keith Lowry. Just one minute later – the teen leaves the building and school grounds.

In a statement Lowry said, “our instincts took over, and we relied on our training to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The suspect was arrested later that day and charged with one count of terroristic threats. Law enforcement officers found several airsoft replica handguns and a replica rifle at the teen’s home.

In a statement, the Kenosha Unified School District said it is “undertaking a comprehensive review of its safety procedures… to identify potential areas for improvement.”

The district says it had “received concerns regarding images of airsoft guns. These images did not include threats or other concerning content, and these concerns were thoroughly investigated....Had any threats been made, administration would have notified law enforcement.”

Law enforcement officers say they narrowly missed what could have been a tragedy.

The boy will be in court Tuesday, Nov. 12.