CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County District Schools are investigating an incident captured on video at Orange Park High School that shows an adult straddling a student and grabbing the student by the neck.
The mother of a student who recorded the video spoke with Action News Jax but did not want to be identified while the investigation is active.
“My heart dropped because my child is at that school with this person,” she said.
In the video, the adult yells “get back” as another student tries to stop him.
The mother said the adult is the head of ROTC and an administrator her son knows. The last name she provided matches that of an NJROTC staff member listed on the school’s website, but Action News Jax has not confirmed that he is the administrator involved.
After watching several angles of the encounter, the mother described how she believed it began.
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“The child in the video, was messing around with one of his friends and that teacher grabbed a hold of him. And the student pushed that teacher off, and it just went into a whole scuffle. The student was seen hitting the teacher and what I assume was self-defense,” she said.
Action News Jax is still working to confirm exactly what led up to the encounter.
The mother said that regardless of how it started, she believes the situation should not have ended that way and wants the adult held accountable.
“I definitely don’t want this man at this school with my child,” she said.
Clay County District Schools provided the following statement:
“Clay County District Schools is aware of an incident that occurred today at Orange Park High School. The matter is currently being investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Human Resources Department of Clay County District Schools. Because this is an active, ongoing investigation, the district cannot comment further at this time.”
The sheriff’s office said detectives are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a message sent to parents, the school district said the safety of staff and students is its highest priority.
“Good afternoon, Raider families. This is Principal Warmouth calling with an important campus update.
“I want to make you aware of an isolated incident that occurred on our campus today involving a confrontation between a student and a staff member.
“We know that rumors and videos often circulate quickly on social media. Please be assured that our school day continued safely, and the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our absolute highest priority. The matter is currently being investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Human Resources Department of Clay County District Schools. Once additional information is substantiated we will provide an update.
“Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and support of Orange Park High School. Have a good evening.”
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