JSO investigating after police firearm unintentionally discharged

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said an administrative investigation is underway after an officer's gun unintentionally discharged at a middle school.

Police responded to Jefferson Davis Middle School Thursday to investigate a shooting call that turned out to be false. After a sweep of the school was conducted, the officer’s gun went off.

ORIGINAL: Jacksonville officer's gun fired while investigating false threat to Jefferson Davis Middle School

It happened outside of the school, hitting the sidewalk and causing minor surface damage, according to JSO.

JSO said no students or staff were present at the time of the accidental gun discharge.

Jeremy Morgan, a 6th-grader at the school, said they were in the classroom when it happened.

“He should’ve been careful because somebody would (sic) got hurt,” Morgan said.

The Sheriff’s Office said the officer involved in this incident is 12-year veteran P. H. Thach.

JSO said during an administrative investigation, an officer’s duty status is determined by looking at several factors, including the severity of the incident and likelihood of future misconduct. Based on that, JSO says this officer has not been placed on administrative leave.

Cox Media Group