DIXON — A 19-year-old Dixon man, and former Dixon High School student, is being charged with three Class X felony counts of aggravated discharge of a weapon after he allegedly fired several shots at the high school on Wednesday morning.

According to Illinois State Police, Matt Milby, 19, of Dixon, was charged late Wednesday afternoon in Lee County Court with three Class X felonies, including aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated discharge at a school employee and aggravated discharge at a school building, each punishable by six to 30 years in prison. He has been under 24-hour surveillance while being treated at a local hospital, but will be transported to jail and held on $2 million bond.

Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell, Jr. said Milby came into Dixon High School at approximately 8 a.m. on May 16 and fired several shots near the west gym where the senior class was conducting graduation practice. School resource officer Mark Dallas confronted Milby, who then exited the school and began running westbound on Armory Drive. Dallas pursued Milby, who reportedly then shot several rounds toward the officer, at which time the Dallas returned fire and struck the suspect. Shortly thereafter Milby was taken into custody and transported for medical attention of non-life-threatening injuries.

Howell, Jr., said Dallas, a 24-year law enforcement veteran, has been with the Dixon Police Department for 15 years and served as a DHS officer for the past five years. He will be placed on paid administrative leave per policy as state police perform an independent investigation on the incident.

Howell, Jr. said Wednesday that because of Dallas’ heroic actions, countless lives were likely saved, but he is also asking media outlets to give the officer privacy at this time.

“Officer Dallas and his family need time to work through this traumatic incident,” Howell said in a statement on Wednesday night. “He will not be available for any media interviews until after he is formally interviewed by the Illinois State Police.”

Dusti Batcsh, a senior at Dixon High School, was in the gymnasium for graduation practice Wednesday morning when the incident took place outside the gym in the hallway.

“We were listening to the principal tell us about the practice and all of the sudden we heard what sounded like five or six fire crackers,” said Batsch. “One of the teachers went out and then came back in and told us to ‘Go, go get out of here.’”

Students initially fled to Sauk Valley Properties, then to the National Guard Armory before being bused to Page Park where parents could pick them up. The process took between two and two and half hours.

Batsch said he knows the alleged shooter only by name, but was not really acquainted with him.

“I feel the school handled the incident well, and I am grateful the Mr. McKay, Dr. Drady and Officer Dallas were there,” Batsch added. “We now have graduation practice tomorrow morning, but most of us aren’t looking forward to it.”