James Harvey, shown here holding two guns, held more than 100 children and teachers hostage at an elementary school in Tuscaloosa. Source: WBRC videoTwenty-five years ago, a gunman took over a Tuscaloosa elementary school and held more than a hundred children and teachers hostage.
James Harvey eventually surrendered after a 12 hour standoff. No one was hurt, but looking back now it's clear how easily the story could have changed.
This video is a profile of James Harvey which aired in 1988. The reporter is Dan Cates, who wore a bullet proof vest and went into the school when Harvey requested to speak to him. Thanks to Dan's work and that of Assistant Police Chief Ken Swindle, a disaster was avoided.
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