JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Public School’s police chief made it clear that “see something, say something” was essential in preventing a tragic situation after a teen shot into a large crowd at a Friday night high school football game.
In the last five days, three shootings in Jacksonville happened near youth or school sporting events. Police Chief Greg Burton couldn’t say much about another shooting and the other shooting wasn’t related to DCPS, but Burton did explain the safety measures taken during Friday night’s game.
Devonn Thompson, 15, was arrested Friday for firing a gun on school property and carrying a concealed weapon. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it received information from school police earlier in the day that there could be possible fights. In response, officers increased security at the game between First Coast High School and Ribault High School.
“Information is the first line of defense to protect our children and protect our students,” Burton said at Monday’s news conference to address the shooting.
Because of the information that school police received that day, Burton said that a plan was put in place that prevented a tragic event from happening.
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That’s why the police chief stressed that people come forward with information because that can help school police to interfere with something that may be happening.
Burton said his team partners with local law enforcement agencies such as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Jacksonville Beach Police Department to ensure safety at school events. He also thanked the agencies for their efforts in protecting the community.
“Our partnership worked very well to prevent an even more tragic situation,” he said.
After the shooting Friday, Burton said his team evaluates each game based on previous history. They put a tactical action plan in place, and add additional security measures. He said the games are public unless they find a reason to adjust those security measures and are also evaluating if they’ll change game times.
“We are going to do everything possible to ensure the safety of you and your students at football games,” Burton said.
A concerned parent said she is baffled because her son loves to play football.
“He deserves to play and he also deserves to live,” the parent said.
Burton also said there were weapon detection devices present at Friday’s game but, keep in mind, the shooting happened outside the gate. It’s believed that Thompson never entered the game with the gun because of the security measures.