Rowlett Police Officer Thwarts Potential Mass Shooting; Teen Arrested With a Gun and Ammo Outside School

Rowlett, TX (WBAP/KLIF) – A potential gun-related tragedy averted in by a Rowlett Police officer.

A Dallas-area teenager is being held on $1 million bond after an officer encountered him sitting in his car outside of a high school sporting event with a rifle and 100 rounds of ammunition.

Rowlett police arrested 17-year-old Diego Horta on Tuesday night on drug and weapons charges. The officer saw a semi-automatic rifle on the seat and took Horta into custody.

Horta also had drugs and a Halloween mask in his car. Horta was home-schooled.

Rowlett High School is in the Garland ISD. The district released and email statement to WBAP news:

The safety and security of our students and staff is of utmost importance and a primary focus in Garland ISD, and the district will continue to be vigilant and follow the extensive safety protocols that are in place at all district facilities. Garland ISD is grateful for the vigilance of the Rowlett Police Department in ensuring the continued safety of the community. Being alert, reporting and investigating suspicious behavior, conducting searches—these are the activities that are crucial for ongoing safety as demonstrated in this incident. We are fortunate in Garland ISD to have strong partnerships with dedicated law enforcement in the tri-cities of Garland, Rowlett and Sachse and appreciate all that our local law enforcement agencies do to support and protect. We want to encourage our community, families and students to always report anything they see or hear that is out of the ordinary as we work together to maintain continued safety and security.

This individual is not a Garland ISD student nor a Rowlett resident as has been indicated in some media coverage. Please let me know if you have added questions.