School safety measure finds student's hidden gun, officials say

A Florida high school student has been arrested on charges of allegedly trying to bring a handgun into the school. Officials are crediting one of the school's safety measures for finding the hidden firearm.

The handgun was detected by the OPENGATE Weapons Detection System at Cocoa High School, according to a spokesperson for the district. These are freestanding metal detectors that use technology to detect the difference between weapons and everyday items.

What we know:

Officials said a student attempted to bring a handgun into Cocoa High School on Monday morning, but a detection system found it. The gun was immediately confiscated and the student was taken into custody by police.

No students or staff were hurt, the district said. 

What we don't know:

Officials have not released any details on the suspected armed student, including his age, grade level, or name. It's also unclear if he will face charges over the alleged incident. Officials also did not say exactly where the gun was found in the student's possession. 

In a produced video, Dr. Mark Rendell, superintendent of Brevard County Public Schools, said he was grateful to the Brevard County School Board for the investment in the safety equipment. 

"We understand how upsetting this news is but are fortunate to have these systems available on our campus to ensure our students' safety," the district said in a statement.

What they're saying:

That’s something that serves as a great comfort to Jamariah Wright, who FOX 35 talked with just after she picked up her younger brother from Cocoa High.

"Things happen. There’s too many instances where children are shot or killed or anything, because parents are locking that stuff up correctly," she said. Wright has two young children, plus a teenage brother at Cocoa High. She says she worries about all of their safety.

"He’s a good, smart boy, but accidents happen. He’s a good bright student, he’s got far too far to go. And I’ve already seen family members pass away from stuff like this, so yes, it worries me very much about him," she said.

What's next:

The District is also considering investing in an AI technology that uses the security cameras they already have to detect weapons.
 

They also started up an expanded Guardian Program – which lets volunteer staff members like maintenance workers, kitchen staff, and janitors, go through training and carry guns on campus. That one got some backlash.

But the metal detecting systems seem to have a larger fan base.

"I’m excited because – let’s be honest, the schools really need it," Wright said. "There’s been too many instances where kids have brought guns and made it into the school with those weapons."

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The Source: The information in this story comes from Brevard County Public Schools.

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