JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ribault High School began using walk-through metal detectors to screen students Monday to ensure the safety of students and staff after a student was shot Friday, Principal Gregory Bostic told parents.
The enhanced security measure in place Monday came three days after a student was shot in the high school’s field house by another student in what’s been described by News4Jax sources as an accidental discharge.
The shooting happened about 1:45 p.m. Friday as multiple students were in the weight room, according to an arrest report obtained by News4Jax. The wounded student was treated for a gunshot wound to the right arm.
Christopher King Caster, 18, who plays football for the school, was booked Friday into the Duval County jail on charges of possession of a firearm on school property and carrying a concealed firearm, both felonies.
Duval County School Board Police took Caster into custody immediately following the shooting. At last check Monday morning, jail records showed he remained in policy custody.
Based on redactions to the arrest report, it’s unclear what Caster, the victim or a witness told police. Sources told News4Jax the gun accidentally fired was he was showing it off, and there was no intent to shoot anyone.
In the message to parents, Principal Bostic said the school already had been using random backpack checks as a security measure this year. Now, walk-through metal detectors are being added to the mix.
“Because of this incident, we will need to implement enhanced security protocols going forward,” Bostic said. “This will include mandatory screening of all students using metal detectors.”