ORANGE PARK, Fla. – More than one student is in school police custody Wednesday after a firearm was found on the campus of Oakleaf High School, according to a message sent to parents by Principal Matthew Boyack.
In an earlier message, Boyack said a student reported seeing another student with a firearm on campus, sparking a code red lockdown “out of an abundance of caution.”
In the updated message, Boyack said the lockdown had been lifted and students were being dismissed. No one was injured. He warned that buses would be running late.
“We always encourage our Knights that if they see something, then say something, and today is an example of how our students worked together in doing just that,” Boyack said. “I want to commend our students, staff, and faculty for following our safety procedures and protocols today.”
Boyack said the Clay County District Schools Police Department had students of interest in custody after a firearm was discovered on campus during the investigation.
“We will continue to actively work with our students, staff, and families to ensure school remains a safe and secure learning environment,” Boyack said.
Clay County District Schools Police Department Chief Kenneth Wagner said in a statement the incident is still under investigation and charges are pending.
“The Clay County District Schools Police Department is still actively investigating the incident that took place at Oakleaf High School today. At 12:33 p.m. the school was placed on a code red lockdown out of an abundance of caution as students shared with the administration that another student was believed to have a gun on campus. The administration and school resource officer immediately acted and began an investigation. Through the investigation, it was determined that multiple students were involved with bringing a single firearm to campus today. We will continue to have zero tolerance for this behavior and charges are pending,” Wagner wrote. “Safety and security of our campuses is my number one priority and I am proud of our students who reported this to our administration. We encourage our students to always reach out to administration and their school resource officer if they see or hear of any threats, weapons, or suspicious behavior regarding school operations. Tomorrow, we will have additional resources at Oakleaf High School. I encourage our students, staff, parents, and community members to report any threats or tips through Fortify Florida app or SaferWatch.”
The code red lockdown Wednesday, which prompted concerned messages to the News4JAX newsroom, comes on the heels of another deadly shooting at a school. Three students and three adults were killed Monday at a Nashville Christian school.
A vigil is being held Wednesday night for the victims of that shooting.