Westside High student shot at school bus stop, grief counselors available

JACKSONVILLE — A Westside High student is in critical condition after a shooting at the Village at Plantation Bay apartments Thursday morning.

A message from the school’s assistant principal to families said in part, “You may already be aware from news reports that one of our students was seriously impacted by an act of violence earlier today. Our entire school community is disheartened by this news, and we’re praying and hoping for a thorough recovery for this student.”

The district said specially-trained grief counselors would be on-hand for students.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene at 6:35 Thursday morning. Investigators said they are still looking for a suspect and as of Friday JSO had no new information, but encouraged anyone with information to call. Additionally, JSO could not provide an update on the victim’s condition.

A resident at the Village at Plantation Bay forwarded Action News Jax an email from the apartment complex which said the shooting happened at a school bus stop.

“An incident occurred this morning at the neighborhood bus stop located just outside the community entrance. While we have been made aware a young man was injured and was taken to the hospital, we do not have any further information as this is an ongoing investigation.”

James West mentors some students at Westside High and said, “put down the guns. Stop the violence. Start respecting each other. Start respecting each other’s rights and be responsible.”

According to Action News Jax records, there’s been at least 6 shootings in Jacksonville involving youth so far this year.

Search for gunman who shot teen boy

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