Reynolds High School Shooter Identified as Freshman Student

PHOTO: parents waited to be reunited with their students, some for several hours

Police have released the name of the gunman who shot and killed a student at Reynolds High School. The shooter was identified as Jared Michael Padgett, 15, a freshman.

Troutdale Police Chief Scott Anderson said Padgett arrived at school on a school bus with a guitar case and a duffel bag. He went into the boys’ locker room next to the gym where he killed Emilio Hoffman, 15, also a freshman. 

PHOTO: Family and friends said slain student Emilio Hoffman was a great person and beloved by all

Anderson said Pagett used an AR15 rifle. He also had in his possession a semi-automatic handgun, nine loaded magazines capable of holding hundreds of bullets, and a knife. He got the weapons from his home where they were locked up. 

Anderson said investigators knew of no connection between Pagett and his victim. They do not yet have any information about Pagett’s motives.

After shooting Hoffman, Pagett encountered PE teacher Todd Ristler and shot at him, but the bullet only grazed the teachers hip.  Ristler was able to call the lockdown and alert school resource officers. He was wearing a non-ballistic vest used for carrying ammunition and other items. He also was wearing a multi-sport helmet with a camouflage design. 

“I cannot overemphasize the role the responding officers and Ristler played,” Anderson said.

Pagett fled but was prevented from getting close to other students by the school resource officers. They exchanged shots with him, and he went into a small bathroom.

Anderson said the medical examiner was able to confirm he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot.

Reynolds Schools Superintendent Linda Florence thanked Ristler; the school resource officers; and state, local and federal  law enforcement agencies.

“I have no doubt in my mind that their rapid action saved lives,” she said.

Florence also said that students and teachers had conducted themselves with calm composure and caring.  Multnomah County also responded quickly with buses and mental health support.

Troutdale Mayor Doug Daoust said the shooting remained an active investigation. He asked witnesses to come forward with any information. Call the tip line at 503-618-7633. He also asked for anyone with photos  to send them to investigators through the website www.troutdale.info

Students, families and anyone traumatized by the shooting can see a crisis counselor at Mt. Hood Community College gymnasium.  About 50 counselors from Multnomah County, FBI Victim's Services, and Trauma Intervention Program and the Reynolds School District will be on hand from 7a.m.-7p.m. Wednesday June 11. Or you can call the Multnomah County Mental Health Crisis line at 503-988-4888.