PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - A third student has been accused of bring a weapon to a South Florida high school, just days after two other weapons were found at separate high schools.
After two young men were arrested for bringing loaded guns to two schools in Miami and Pembroke Pines, a third student has been accused of bringing a pocket knife to Coral Gables Senior High School, last week.
That student, identified as 18-year-old Eleazar Sanchez was arrested on charges of weapon on school property and cannabis possession. He has since been released.
Two other students were taken into custody this week after, officials said, they brought loaded guns to schools in Miami and Pembroke Pines.
On Wednesday, investigators said, an employee at Miami Northwestern High School tipped police off about 18-year-old Kemard Jacques.
The teen was taken to the main office, where a search was conducted by the administration. A search of his book bag revealed a black Beretta 9 mm handgun, loaded with 15 rounds plus one in the chamber.
Jacques went before a judge on Thursday.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer did not mince words. “You want house arrest? Because that’s the best you’re getting today,” she said.
That incident was followed by an incident at Charles W. Flanagan High School where, police said, 18-year-old former student Major Charneil Byrd was caught with a Glock 19 firearm on campus. Inside the gun, officials said, was a 31-round magazine containing 11 bullets.
Police said they have no idea what Byrd’s intentions may have been.
No one was hurt in any of the incidents, but they have caused concern among parents and students at all three high schools.
Friday afternoon, a Flanagan High student spoke to 7News about Byrd’s arrest. “I just saw him in handcuffs, and a whole bunch of police started coming in,” he said.
“I mean, it’s crazy,” said another student. “I don’t know why somebody would do that.”
Earlier in the day, Byrd appeared in court. He was given a $20,000 bond and was told, even if he does post it, he is to remain on house arrest.
“I’m just glad they took care of it quickly,” said a concerned parent outside Flanagan High.
“Where are these kids getting these guns from? It’s really dangerous. It’s really getting out of order,” said one parent at Miami Northwestern High School.
One student at Flanagan High said security should be tighter. “I guess they got to do better at trying to keep people away, ’cause he just walked in easily, ’cause it’s easy to get inside the school,” he said.
Parents at Flanagan High said their biggest concern was that they were not notified in a timely manner about the incident.
Byrd and Jacques remain behind bars.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.