News Summary
Two students in Leon County, Florida, have been arrested for weapon possession at their high schools, highlighting serious safety concerns as the school year begins. A 15-year-old was found with a revolver and ammunition at Godby High School, while a 17-year-old had a taser and pepper spray at Rickards High School. Both incidents are the first weapon-related arrests since the academic year started, raising alarms about safety in the district’s schools. Authorities emphasize the importance of compliance with safety standards and urge parental engagement in discussions about school policies.
Leon County Students Arrested for Weapons Possession
Leon County, Florida – Two students have been arrested for weapon possession at their respective high schools on Friday, marking a concerning start to the school year amid the Leon County School District’s zero-tolerance policy on weapons and drugs.
A 15-year-old 9th grader from Godby High School was apprehended after he was found with a .45 caliber revolver and four bullets. The student reportedly left his classroom without permission, informing his teacher of his intent to leave the campus. The teacher promptly notified school administration, who then located the student and escorted him to the office, where he exhibited aggressive behavior.
School Resource Deputies intervened during the situation. A search of the student’s book bag revealed the revolver, which was wrapped in a shirt, along with ammunition stored in a pouch. The student’s parents were informed of the incident, and he was taken into custody without further incident. He now faces charges for Possession of a Firearm by a Minor and Possession of a Weapon on School Property.
In a separate incident, a 17-year-old 11th grader from Rickards High School was arrested after school administration received an anonymous tip about her carrying weapons on campus. The student was removed from her classroom for a search, which yielded a functional taser and pepper spray. The student justified possessing these items by claiming they were for self-defense. She was arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of a Weapon on School Property.
Following their arrests, both students were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. These incidents mark the first weapon-related arrests in Leon County classrooms since the academic year started on August 11, highlighting the importance of compliance to safety standards in schools.
The Leon County School District maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward drugs, weapons, and threats on school property. Last school year, there were at least 17 arrests across campuses, with ten directly related to weapons. This trend raises serious concerns for the safety of students and staff within the district.
In response to these recent events, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the need for parents to engage in conversations with their children regarding safe practices and adherence to school policies. The Sheriff’s Office commended the quick actions taken by school officials in both arrests and encouraged the community to utilize resources such as the FortifyFL app for reporting suspicious activities. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 850-922-KIDS.
As the school year continues, it remains crucial for students, parents, and school staff to work together to ensure the safety and security of the school environment. Authorities aim to promote an atmosphere of vigilance and communication to prevent future incidents and uphold the standards of safety that the education system strives to maintain.
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Additional Resources
- WTXL: Two High School Students Arrested
- Wikipedia: Zero Tolerance
- Tallahassee.com: Rickards High Teen Arrested
- Google Search: Weapons Possession in Schools
- Tallahassee.com: Cobb Middle School Student Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WTXL: Middle School Student Arrested
- Google News: School Safety Policies
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
