JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Students were met with increased security Wednesday morning when they arrived at First Coast High School a day after a shooting not far from the campus left one teenager dead and another four hospitalized.
The school hasn’t said what specific security measures would be in place today -- only that they’d remain in place for the near future.
At least five Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office cruisers could be seen in different parts of the campus parking lot Wednesday morning.
In addition to the deadly shooting nearby, a student brought a loaded gun to campus Tuesday and was arrested, the principal said.
Those incidents came just a week after a 16-year-old was shot across the street from First Coast High School.
It is unclear if any of the teenagers shot Tuesday or last week attend First Coast High.
CrimeStoppers is offering up to $3,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in Tuesday’s shooting. Right now, no one has been arrested for either shooting.
According to police, units were called to the intersection of Duval Station and Starratt roads at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday in reference to the shooting, but the victims drove to Lanier Road, about a mile away. One person died at the scene, four others were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds and a sixth remained at the scene to speak with investigators.
Police believe the shooter was in a silver SUV.
Neighbors say they’re concerned for their kids’ safety, as well as their own.
“It’s making me feel different. I wanna get away, but where else do you go,” Paul Clark said. “I just hope that we can come together and be more one of an accord you know what I mean… and reach out. There’s a lot of people my age not doing enough right now.”
First Coast High School Principal Justin Fluent sent this message to parents on Tuesday:
“We are aware of tragic acts of violence taking place in our surrounding area. While these events are not taking place on our campus, we will have enhanced security measures for the near future as a precaution. Again, we will be taking enhanced security measures for the near future in light of the acts of violence taking place in our area. Thank you for your understanding and partnership. We look forward to seeing your child at school tomorrow.”