West Liberty staff who stopped alleged school shooter among ‘heroes’

The staff members who stopped the alleged shooter at West Liberty Salem High School last week before he might have harmed more students were identified Tuesday.

Middle/High School Principal Greg Johnson and K-12 Assistant Principal Andy McGill were on top of Serna when Champaign County deputies arrived.

"Everybody on that day was a hero in some way," Superintendent Kraig Hissong said. "Everybody responded to the situation in a way that they needed to."

They were instrumental in taking control of the situation and ending it, Hissong said.

DETAILS: Active shooter training factor in West Liberty-Salem HS shooting

Johnson and McGill wanted to be with the students and the school district Tuesday for their first day back, Hissong said, and declined interview requests.

West Liberty students returned to classes Tuesday for the first time after the shooting Friday when deputies alleged 17-year-old Ely Serna brought a shotgun to school and fired multiple shots. Logan Cole, 16, was struck multiple times and is recovering at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

RELATED: Sister of alleged West Liberty shooter speaks, school to re-open

Another male student who hasn’t been identified was hit by a pellet during the shooting, but his injuries are considered minor and he didn’t receive treatment.

About the Author