JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A student was taken to the hospital after a knife attack on a Duval County school bus on Wednesday morning, according to officials. Another student is now in custody.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded around 9:15 a.m. to reports of a stabbing involving students on a school bus along Division Street.
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Video from the scene shows Student Transportation of America Bus number 268 surrounded by crime scene tape for hours as officers gathered evidence. Footage also shows a young man in handcuffs being placed into a police car. His face was blurred because it was not clear whether he was connected to the incident.
Kenneth Shields, a parent, said the incident is deeply troubling and believes more safety measures are needed on school buses.
RELATED: Matthew Gilbert Middle School student injured with knife by another student on bus, DCPS says
“It’s heartbreaking that the children are still doing this violence. They got knives and stuff. The school could easily put metal detectors on the bus at the doorways or have wands.”
Shields is now calling for added security improvements to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Duval County Public Schools confirmed the incident in a statement to media partners:
“Good Morning Media Partners,
“Unfortunately, we experienced a serious incident this morning on one of our school buses. According to initial reports, a student riding Bus 268 en route to Matthew Gilbert Middle School was injured by another student with a knife.
“We are grateful that the injuries do not appear to be life-threatening. The alleged suspect is in the custody of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, which is actively investigating. At this time, JSO would be the appropriate source for additional details or related records.”
The district also shared the following message sent to families:
“Hello, Matthew Gilbert families. This is Duval County Public Schools calling. First and foremost, all students and staff at Matthew Gilbert Middle School are safe. We have been made aware of a serious incident that occurred on Bus 268 involving a physical altercation between two students. During the incident, one student was injured with a knife. The injured student was transported for medical care, and the other student is now in the custody of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The families of the students directly involved have been notified. In addition, school staff is contacting the families of all students who were on the bus so they are aware of what occurred.
“This incident did not take place on campus, and there is no threat to the school. Law enforcement continues to investigate, and details remain limited at this time. If there are any updates that impact the broader school community, we will share them promptly.
“Thank you for taking the time to listen to this message.”
The district said the bus was headed to Matthew Gilbert Middle School when the incident happened and emphasized that the stabbing did not occur on campus.
Action News Jax reached out to Duval County Public Schools and Student Transportation of America to ask whether metal detectors, wands, or other new security measures on buses are being considered, or if that is even possible. Neither responded to that question before publication.
DCPS superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier released the following statement in the wake of the incident:
“Hello Team Duval families,
“I am writing to address some recent decisions and behaviors made by a small number of students on several of our school campuses. While these incidents do not reflect the behavior of the vast majority of our students, they are concerning, and actions like these can carry serious and long-lasting consequences. Please know any student involved in such behaviors including social media threats and physical violence will receive the appropriate consequences as per the Student Code of Conduct, including the possibility of expulsion from Duval County Public Schools and the appropriate legal consequences as well.
“Therefore, I am asking all parents and guardians to please take time to talk with your student about making safe, responsible choices and about the importance of speaking up if they are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.
“If your child may be experiencing stress, challenges, or needs support navigating difficult situations, help is always available. Our school counselors are available to assist students, and families can also access resources through the district’s GROW program at duvalschools.org/GROW, which provides guidance and mental health supports for students and families.
“We want students to know that help is available and that they are not alone… but they also have the responsibility to report potential dangers.
“Please remember if you see something, say something. Any concerns or threats, whether in person or online, should be reported immediately. The FortifyFL app is a confidential way to report information that could help keep our schools safe.
“Safety is always our top priority. Our students and staff deserve a safe environment in which to learn and work. We appreciate your partnership, your vigilance, and your continued support.”
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Tasha King, a grandmother whose grandson rides the same bus, said the situation hits close to home.
“I’m ready to go to school to try to figure out if he’s OK and everything, you know, I’m saying all right,” said King.
King said her first thoughts were about the injured student and her own grandson’s safety.
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“That’s really traumatizing, and that is sad. That is heavy on my heart right now because my grandson takes that same bus,” King added.
Family members said incidents like this shake their sense of security, especially when it happens on a school bus where children are expected to be safe on their way to class.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate.
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