'I heard four gunshots': Students recall terrifying moments inside YES Prep school as suspect is charged

A former student of the YES Prep Southwest Secondary School has been booked and charged in connection to the Oct. 1 school shooting that injured the campus's administrator. 

Dexter Harold Kelsey, 25, is facing charges of aggravated assault against a public servant and deadly conduct, according to a tweet from Houston Police. Officials say he immediately surrendered "without incident" once officers arrived on the scene. 

"The most important thing is, I think, we have over a thousand students I was told and no students were hurt," Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said during a media briefing on the day of the shooting. 

Authorities say Kelsey shot YES Prep Principal Eric Espinoza in the back, KHOU reported. 

"I'm praying for him," Rhyann, a seventh grader, told KHOU. "I hope he's okay. I hope he's doing well. I hope he recovers."

The shooting happened at around 11:45 the morning of Oct. 1 at the school located at 4411 Anderson Street. A YES Prep spokesperson said Kelsey shot through the glass door in the front of the building, according to FOX 26. Once Kelsey was inside, he continued to fire. 

"I heard four gunshots," an unidentified student told KHOU.

Espinoza was shot in the lower back and was released from the hospital later that day. Houston Police tweeted that doctors didn't remove the bullet from Espinoza's back, and that it didn't impact any vital organs. 

FOX 26 reported that classes at the school were cancelled through Wednesday and counselors would be made available for anyone who may need help as a result of the traumatic incident. 

During the media briefing, Chief Finner commended the students for remaining calm. In a letter from the school that was obtained by FOX 26, school officials say everyone immediately went safely into lockdown "as rehearsed in practice drills."