STEM School Security Guard Won't Face Criminal Charges

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO —A security guard has reached an agreement with the two students he mistakenly shot while defending against the May 7 attack at the STEM School Highlands Ranch. The guard will not face criminal charges, but he's agreed to enter a diversion program.

The 4th Judicial District Attorney's office said Shamson Sundara "acted in compliance with applicable law" even though his employment contract prohibited him from carrying a gun at the high school.

Sundara disarmed and detained one of the students accused of the shooting, the DA's office said. Two teens walked into the school and opened fire, killing Kendrick Ray Castillo, 18, and injuring eight others.

"Immediately after detaining the suspect, [Sundara] saw an individual dressed in street clothes round the corner of the hallway and spotted the muzzle of a gun. Mr. Sundara fired two shots in the direction of the gun," the DA's office said in a statement. "Although both shots missed the subject, who turned out to be a law enforcement officer, they went through the wall of a classroom where students were gathered. Two students were struck, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. As soon as the law enforcement officers identified themselves, Mr. Sundara immediately and fully complied with their commands."

Sundara has agreed to enter an adult diversion program, which will include a restorative justice program with the victims, the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office said. He has also agreed to complete 50 hours of community service.

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