Teacher Talked With Accused Shooter While Waiting For Help

MARION COUNTY, FL – The former teacher of 19-year-old Forest High School accused shooter Sky Bouche said she encountered him in the hallway outside her classroom after he fired his gun, the Ocala Star Banner reported.

Kelly McManis-Panasuk told the Star Banner that she was taking class attendance about 8:39 a.m. Friday, April 20, when she heard what sounded like a metal garbage can being smashed in the hallway. She walked out of the classroom and encountered a girl running down the hall, screaming that someone was shooting a gun. McManis-Panasuk ushered her into the classroom and then looked out the door again.

In the hallway stood a former student, Sky Bouche. According to the Star Banner, Bouche told her he shot at a door. He said he wanted to be arrested because he was mentally ill, according to the teacher. McManis-Panasuk said she pressed the emergency call button at her desk and told the front office she had an active shooter situation. About three minutes later, the school’s resource officer, Deputy Jimmy Long, and Principal Brent Carson arrived. Bouche was arrested and did not offer any resistance. A 17-year-old Forest High School student was shot in the ankle when Bouche allegedly fired his weapon at the door, according to a school official. The student was taken to a local hospital.

For more of the Ocala Star Banner’s interview with the teacher, click here.

Image via Marion County School District