19-year-old arrested in shooting at East River High School, deputies say

Mandrel Harper does not attend the Orange County school, officials say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that happened in an Orange County school’s parking lot this week, according to sheriff’s officials.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Mandrel Harper was arrested in Volusia County Tuesday during a traffic stop on charges of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and discharging a weapon on school property after the shooting Monday at East River High School.

Harper appeared before a Volusia County judge Wednesday afternoon where he was denied bond. The judge said he will be extradited to Orange County where he will see a judge to face his charges.

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Harper is not a student at the school, the sheriff’s office said. Orange County Public Schools said while Harper is not a student, he was a former student and withdrew from the district in 2018.

“I’m (comforted) that I don’t have to worry about him on the lose anymore,” said Jessica Thigpen, a mom of two sons at East River High. “I’m glad they found him at least. It definitely ensures the safety.”

The shooting happened after school was dismissed, according to the school district. No one was injured.

The district said there was increased security on the campus Tuesday following the shooting.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting, according to district officials.


About the Author:

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

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