PALM COAST, Fla. – After a student reported seeing a handgun in a boy's bathroom at Matanzas High School on Wednesday afternoon, the school went on lockdown and 25 Flagler County deputies, 15 Florida Highway Patrol troopers and six Florida Fish and Wildlife officers responded to secure and search the campus, the Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies said just before 1 p.m., a student reported seeing another student with a handgun and immediately told a teacher. About the same time, facility notified two deputies investigating an unrelated disturbance on campus.
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The campus security status was then elevated to orange, meaning no one could come or go from the campus.
The possible suspect was described as a white boy, about 6 feet tall with long dirty blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt.
FCSO employees walked along the street in front of the school notifying parents and guardians who were waiting to pick up their students what was happening at the school. Sheriff James Manfre also gathered a large crowd together in front of the school and provided a briefing as to what was happening.
As soon as the school was cleared, law enforcement and school staff coordinated a release of students and faculty in an orderly fashion. After school buses left to take students home, car pickup began. Students who walked or who rode bicycles to school were allowed to leave after the buses left.
After the campus was cleared of students, a thorough search of the campus was made by law enforcement. A gun was never located. Additional deputies will be at the school Thursday to provide an enhanced presence and will be able to answer any questions students may have.
“I am extremely proud of our law enforcement response and seamless cooperation with school officials today. Everyone, to include the parents and guardians who were anxiously waiting to pick up their students, played a key role throughout this incident. I hated to hear about a call like this on one of our campuses, but our training and ability to inform the community paid off. Our campuses are safe and will only stay that way with young people willing to step up and tell others what is happening. Finally, I want to thank all the FHP and FWC officers who responded to our school. This was an example of inter-agency cooperation that represents the finest in law enforcement,” said Manfre.
Although only one student witnessed the gun in the bathroom, deputies tookthe information seriously and will continue to investigate the complaint. At no time was there an act or threat of violence and no one was injured during this incident.
Deputies urge all students to “See Something, Say Something,” much like this student did Wednesday. If anyone has any information as to the identity of the possible suspect, they are urged to immediately contact the FCSO at 386-313-4911. Callers can also remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477. Callers are eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000.