Student throws knives at officer's head

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Police were called to Decatur Central High School August 21st. According to the caller, an out-of-control knife-wielding student locked himself in a home economics room.

When Officer Jeff Patterson arrived to the classroom, he peeked his head inside the room.

“The room was destroyed, and the student was throwing knives at people,” said Patterson.

When Patterson stepped inside he was instantly greeted with a knife.

“I stuck my head in and he wings a knife at my head,” said Patterson. Investigators say the suspect had pulled five knives from the classroom.

The boy tossed three of the sharp weapons in Patterson’s direction, and kept two knives clenched in his hands. Patterson moved quickly to grab a trash can lid and use it as a shield.

The patrol officer then pulled out his taser and pointed the laser beam at the boy. During this tense moment Patterson kept talking to the student.

“I kept saying his name. ‘Do you know who I am, I’m Jeff not Officer Patterson I’m Jeff,’” said Patterson.

Before Patterson could tase the boy, he surrendered.

“On paper I could have used deadly force,” said Patterson.

But he didn’t use deadly force and that’s why he is being called a hero. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has nominated Patterson for a bravery award.

School spokesman, Rick Hightower says there were no other students in the classroom at the time of the incident.

He added that the boy was also a special needs student at the school.