JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools on Monday confirmed that a student from Westside High School was arrested Friday for having a gun and drugs on school grounds.
According to a statement sent from the district to parents, it happened at the end of Friday evening’s football game.
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“The arrest occurred when our school police confirmed the student was in possession of a loaded firearm and drugs in a car in our parking lot,” the statement on behalf of Principal Vincent Foster reads in part.
The principal wrote that he was thankful for whomever shared the information with police. Metal detectors were put in place when school was back in session Monday, and students as well as their belongings were screened.
According to an arrest report News4JAX obtained Tuesday, a citizen pointed to the vehicle and question, and the 17-year-old suspect was searched. He’s being charged as a juvenile.
Here’s the full statement released to families of the students at Westside High School:
Good Evening Westside High School families, this message is being sent on behalf of Principal Foster. I apologize for interrupting your weekend, but I need to share information with you about something that transpired at the end of our football game on Friday evening.
I am very disappointed to report that one of our students was arrested. The arrest occurred when our school police confirmed the student was in possession of a loaded firearm and drugs in a car in our parking lot.
It is troubling to me when a young person becomes involved in this type of activity. Our school offers so much to help young people achieve very positive life goals; it’s just completely unnecessary for a young man or woman to make a decision that results in this outcome.
While I am saddened, I am also very thankful for the citizens who shared this information with the police. I urge everyone to continue sharing information with law enforcement about any kind of threat to the security of our school and the safety of our students. Student and staff safety is always our highest goal, and with that goal in mind, we will implement metal detectors and screening of all student belongings upon entry to the campus on Monday.
Finally, if there is ever anything more our school team can do to support your children in setting and achieving positive goals -- while avoiding anything that might derail their potential -- please call me directly. I know you want the best for your student. Please know that I do, too.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing our students on Monday morning.