Houston County Sheriff Recognizes School Resource Deputy Who Responded to Warner Robins High School Shooting

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A Houston County school resource deputy is being recognized for his quick response after a shooting at Warner Robins High School left a student wounded Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

School resource deputy Cody Nelson responded within seconds after the shooting and immediately began providing medical assistance to the injured student, according to the Houston County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Matt Moulton highlighted Nelson's actions as an example of the emergency training and preparedness that helped protect students during the frightening incident.

Deputy Cody Nelson Responded Within Seconds

The shooting happened inside a Warner Robins High School bathroom after a verbal dispute between students escalated into a physical confrontation. Authorities said one 14-year-old ninth-grade student allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot another ninth-grade student.

The injured student suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Nelson quickly reached the wounded student and applied tourniquets, providing critical first aid while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.

Sheriff Moulton said the response demonstrated the importance of the training provided to school resource officers and other personnel who may be called upon to respond to violent emergencies.

Warner Robins High School Shooting

The shooting triggered a Code Red lockdown at the school as law enforcement officers responded and students and staff were secured inside classrooms.

The suspected shooter fled the school after the shooting but was later located and taken into custody in the nearby Huntington Hills neighborhood.

The suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Denzelle Willis Jr., a ninth-grade student. He appeared in court Thursday, where a judge denied bond and the case was expected to proceed to a grand jury.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.

Sheriff Praises School Resource Deputy

The recognition of Nelson comes as the Warner Robins community continues to recover from the incident.

Officials have emphasized that the rapid response by the school resource deputy and other first responders helped ensure that the injured student received medical attention as quickly as possible.

The incident has also prompted renewed conversations about school safety and emergency preparedness, but officials have credited the training of school personnel and law enforcement with helping them respond during a rapidly developing situation.

Students at Warner Robins High School were scheduled to remain out of class through Friday, while counseling and support services were made available to students and staff dealing with the emotional impact of the shooting.

Community Response

The shooting has shaken students, parents, teachers, and the broader Warner Robins community. While the investigation continues, the recognition of Deputy Nelson highlights the importance of those who respond during some of the most difficult moments facing a community.

For the injured student and their family, the priority remains recovery. For students and staff who witnessed or were affected by the incident, the coming days may bring continued emotional challenges.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Deputy Cody Nelson's actions have been recognized as an important part of the emergency response at Warner Robins High School, where his quick application of tourniquets helped provide lifesaving medical care to an injured student before paramedics arrived.