Ribault High implementing metal detectors after school shooting

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Safety changes are coming to Ribault High School starting Monday.

Students will be required to walk through metal detectors. It comes after investigators said an 18-year-old student shot another student on campus on Friday afternoon.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Duval County School Police Department are conducting a joint investigation.

Police said the shooting took place near the field house. JSO reported it’s still trying to figure out if the shooting was accidental.

Investigators said the 18-year-old student was shot in the arm. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was taken into custody and will be charged with possession of a firearm on a school campus, according to JSO.

Action News Jax’s law and safety expert, Dale Carson, said it’s a five-year felony, but he said the punishment might not be that severe for the student.

“Likely, first offenders won’t receive five years,” Carson said.

Ribault High School Principal Dr. Gregory Bostic said he was disappointed. “I’m very disappointed. I could even say that I’m angry,” Bostic said. He said the shooting doesn’t reflect the character of the entire student body.

Cox Media Group