Santa Fe ISD police officer among those injured in school shooting

SANTA FE, Texas (FOX 26) - A Santa Fe ISD police officer, who had recently retired from the Houston Police Department, was among the thirteen people injured in a shooting at Santa Fe High School on Friday morning.

Officer John Barnes, 49, was critically injured in the shooting and underwent surgery at the UTMB Health Galveston Campus. He was later transferred to the intensive care unit.

The Galveston Municipal Police Association released the following statement on the organization's Facebook page:

Doctors are currently working to regulate medication and keep him stable. His wife advised that they have received positive news from the doctors, and they are appreciative of all the well wishes and food.

Officer Martinez is the liaison for GMPA and is the point of contact for those members of the Association who wish to give food or other items. He will also disseminate any needs of visiting family members.

Please keep the individuals of those recovering and the family and friends of those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

During a news conference on Friday, UTMB Health hospital officials said Officer Barnes sustained an injury to an artery in his arm and the bone in his arm. They said the biggest threat when the officer arrived was how much blood he lost at the crime scene.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said he visited with Officer Barnes' family at the hospital on Friday and thanked the public for their prayers. Chief Acevedo said John in "hanging in there" and the family is very hopeful.

Officer Barnes retired from the Houston Police Department in January 2018. Officer Barnes was sworn in to the Houston Police Department in May 1995, beginning his career at SW Patrol and began working in investigations in 2005, according to Chief Acevedo. The chief says Officer Barnes is known for his tireless work in the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children task force.