13-year-old arrested in shooting of Hobbs middle school teacher

Ryker Teel was arrested by police in Hobbs following the shooting of a middle school teacher. The attack on September 25 left an educator badly wounded with multiple gunshot wounds. The shooting happened just before 11:40 a.m. at Highland Middle School.

Officers found teacher Kelly Mathews near the back doors of the building. School nurses tended to him until medical personnel arrived at the scene. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Mathews gave officers a description of the shooter. “I know he was wearing some kind of glasses and a mask of some kind,” said Mathews.

Officers chased the teenager into an alleyway. Newly released video shows the moments police caught up with him. He was taken into custody.

Teel apologized to officers during the arrest. “Is he dead? I’m sorry, I’m sorry, is he dead?” Ryker Teel asks police.

Parents arrived at the school asking for their children. Police released students one by one. Mathews was transported to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas.

The Hobbs Police Department said Mathews is no longer in critical condition. He will begin physical therapy soon. Teel faces charges of aggravated assault and battery on a school personnel, shooting threats, and tampering with evidence.

Public school districts follow safety protocols during an active investigation. Law enforcement secures the grounds. Medical crews handle patient transfers to specialized regional hospitals.

The Teel family issued a statement through their attorney. The family stated they are deeply saddened and heartbroken over the event at Hobbs Highland Middle School. They stated they will continue to pray for the wellbeing and healing of the victim.