JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 17-year-old was arrested on felony charges Thursday after police said he was seen openly carrying a rifle near Kirby Smith Middle School.
Traytavious Martin was booked into the Duval County jail on charges of exhibit or possession of a firearm on school property and possession of a firearm by a minor, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. He appeared in court Friday morning with his mother, who said told the judge that her son was was never on school grounds.
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Another hearing was set for Tuesday.
Police swarmed the area near North Market and East 10th streets shortly about 2 p.m. Thursday after a man who saw a man dressed in all black, wearing a black ski mask, carrying a rifle called 911 and walking toward the football field by the school.
The caller feared that the armed man was up to no good and might commit a crime on school grounds, the Sheriff's Office said.
Police placed Kirby Smith on lockdown while officers searched the area for a person matching the caller's description. As a precaution, Andrew Robinson Elementary was also placed on lockdown.
Officers later tracked down surveillance video that backed up the caller's complaint.
The search led police to a home on nearby Drysdale Street, where they said Martin surrendered. Police said they found a loaded rifle containing 23 rounds under a couch during a search of the home.
Another man at the home was taken into custody on an unrelated robbery warrant.