MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CRIME & JUSTICE

Timothy George Simpkins: Arlington school shooter parties as victims battle for life

Simpkins, 18, was released from Tarrant County Jail was on Thursday, October 7, on a $75,000 bond

ARLINGTON, TEXAS: The teenage gunman who opened fire in an Arlington school on Wednesday, October 6, was released on a $75,000 bond. While he celebrated at home, his victims fought for their lives in a hospital. Timothy George Simpkins, 18, who was being held on three charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, was released from Tarrant County Jail was on Thursday, October 7.

Simpkins did not utter a word as he walked out of jail, dressed in a blue t-shirt, a baseball cap, and a pair of jeans. It is not clear why he has been charged with aggravated assault, instead of attempt to murder or even more serious charges for his heinous crime. It is also unclear why he was granted bail by the judge. A relative of Simpkins later took to social media and shared videos from a family gathering inside a house, with Simpkins holding a baby and chatting away.

READ MORE

How did Thomas Sharkey die? Cops were hunting him for Alexis murder before death

Ian Cranston: White bullet-factory worker shot dead Black man, 22, for talking to his GF

Who is Timothy Simpkins?

Multiple injuries were reported after gunfire erupted at Timberview High School Wednesday, October 6 morning. The campus was put on lockdown, all students and staff were locked in their classrooms and offices and no visitors were allowed on campus after three people were reportedly shot in the said incident. The shooting occurred at around 9.30 am. The three victims were rushed to the hospital, reports cited.

The Arlington Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other neighboring law enforcement agencies cleared the school premises following the incident and parents were directed to a reunification center at the Center for Performing Arts to meet up with their children. A fight in the classroom of Timberview High School led to gunfire injuries to four people including one teacher. Arlington PD launched a manhunt for the suspect, Timothy Simpkins, 18, and arrested him shortly after the incident. Simpkins alleged that 'he brought a handgun for protection after being targeted by bullies for wearing nice clothes and driving a nice car'.

Simpkins was accused of firing a .45-caliber handgun during a fight with another student. Timothy's mother alleged that he was bullied at school but declined to comment further. Another woman, who said she is a relative speaking for the Simpkins family, alleged that Timothy had been robbed twice at the school.

Who are the victims?

Three people were injured after suspect Timothy Simpkins drew out his .45 caliber handgun and decided to go on a rampage following a classroom brawl. A girl suffered a minor abrasion and was expected to be released from Medical City hospital soon. However, the other two - a 15-year old student and a 25-year-old English teacher - suffered gunshot wounds. The student continues to remain in critical condition and had to undergo surgery, according to a report. The weapon was recovered along England Parkway in Grand Prairie, two miles away from the school. 

Calvin Pettitt, an English teacher at the school managed to escape death after Simpkins allegedly shot him. He suffered a couple of broken ribs and a collapsed lung due to the injuries. His sister Grace Rinearson said the bullet narrowly missed Pettitt's aorta, describing the shooting as "one of the scariest mornings of my life." All 1,700 students of the school were evacuated after the incident. Simpkins was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a gun and currently remains at Ott Cribbs in Arlington.