Family and friends are calling a former Sacramento-area man a hero after he confronted a gunman during Saturday’s deadly mass shooting at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Twin Falls police said three people were killed and seven others were wounded.
Police said Antelope High School graduate Austin James Scott and another citizen took action as shots rang out. Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks said their actions helped drive the suspect away and may have prevented further casualties.
Scott’s father, Marcus, said Scott was in the drive-thru with his wife and a friend when he heard gunshots and ran toward the scene. Marcus said Scott came face-to-face with the gunman and was shot in the arm, drawing the shooter’s attention away and allowing others to escape.
Friends who attended Antelope High School with Scott said they were shocked to hear his name but not surprised he stepped in to help.
“Knowing Austin and knowing his, his high upstanding character, it makes a lot of sense to me that he was one of the first people who decided to selflessly serve and jump out of whatever situation he was in to ensure that people were safe and protected,” said Aidan Ballard, a longtime friend.
Ballard said Scott, also known as AJ, followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in law enforcement. Scott’s father retired from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Another friend, Bostyn Morse, said she has always known Scott to be selfless and willing to put himself in danger to protect others.
Scott’s former high school counselor, Erica Joseph Bradley, said she was not surprised by his actions.
“Austin always did what he needed to do to reach his goals, and he never hesitated to follow what he believed was right, no matter what others thought,” Bradley said in a statement.
Scott’s father said his wife, Connie, an emergency room nurse, helped pull him from the scene, apply pressure to his wound and take him to the hospital.
A fundraising account says Scott underwent emergency surgery and faces additional medical care, rehabilitation, and months away from work. His family and friends are seeking donations to help cover medical expenses, lost income and other recovery costs.
The GiveSendGo fundraiser can be found here: He Ran Towards Danger – Now He Needs Us
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