JACKSONIVLLE BEACH, Fla. – A student brought a knife and a starter pistol Wednesday to Fletcher Middle School, according to an automated call parents received from the school's principal.
Principal Teresa Mowbray said the student, who was not named, was taken into custody and arrested.
“We pride ourselves on the outstanding rapport we have with our students and staff, and thankfully, we were alerted through a student tip that another student may have brought weapons to school,” Mowbray said.
Administrators worked with Duval County School Police to investigate the claim and found that a student did have a starter pistol and a knife, Mowbray said.
A starter pistol is typically fired to start sporting events and isn’t designed to shoot real ammunition.
The weapons were confiscated, and the student is now facing criminal charges, along with discipline according to the school's code of conduct.
“We take all threats to student safety seriously, and thankfully no students or faculty were harmed during this incident today,” Mowbray said. “Please know that we will continue our efforts in maintaining a safe environment.”
Mowbray encouraged parents to talk with their children and emphasize their role in keeping the campus safe by:
- Discussing ways to report issues to an adult
- Managing and resolving conflicts without weapons
- Monitoring child's belongings that are brought to school
Mowbray said parents with additional questions or concerns could call her at 904-247-5929.
A First Coast High School student was also arrested Wednesday after taking a gun to campus, according to Principal Timothy Simmons.