VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A Central Florida high school was thrown into disarray on Wednesday after a former student showed up with a loaded firearm, according to the school district.
In a release, district officials said that the incident happened at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach. However, it all stemmed from another encounter around two weeks ago.
At the time, the former student — a 16-year-old boy — tried to re-register at the school, but when a school resource officer tried to make contact, the person fled the campus, the release shows.
“That prior incident put our safety team on alert, with staff instructed to notify administration immediately if the individual returned to campus,” the release reads. “This morning, the same individual approached the school entrance.”
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But before getting onto the campus, the person was intercepted an assistant principal, armed guardian, and SRO, school officials said.
“At no point did the individual gain unsupervised access to the building, students or classroom,” the release continues. “While the individual was being accompanied by staff, district personnel identified that this person had an open warrant for running away.”
Police said the teen had been listed as a runaway juvenile, with an active court order directing that he be taken into custody.
The SRO thus searched the teen, discovering a loaded firearm and two magazines of ammunition, the district revealed. That said, the teen involved never reached the students, and police added that he made no statements indicating he intended to use the gun.
Instead, district officials announced that the person was taken into custody, meaning there is no ongoing threat to students or staff.
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“We recognize that today’s events are understandably concerning,” district officials wrote. “We also want you to know that this outcome is a direct result of our staff doing exactly what they are trained to do, recognizing a potential threat, acting on prior knowledge, and intervening swiftly to keep students safe.”
Now, the teen faces charges of possession of a firearm by a juvenile, possession of a firearm on school property, and possession of ammunition on school property.
The school district also explained that counseling support will be available for any student who may need to talk with someone.
Anyone with questions is urged to contact the school’s main office at (386) 258-4665.
No additional information has been provided at this time.