Mandarin High School student with gun on campus said he needed it for protection

A 17-year-old Mandarin High School student who was arrested Thursday with a loaded gun on campus said he needed it for protection against some guys he was having a “beef” with on the Westside, according to the arrest report.

He said he bought the gun for $150 from someone on the Westside about two years ago, although a search found it was listed as stolen, according to the arrest report.

School resource officers were notified a student might have a gun about 11:45 a.m. Someone had seen him holding his hand on it and showing it to someone outside a classroom, according to the arrest report.

The officers located the student in a classroom and found the gun in his waistband. He was charged with possession of a firearm on school property and dealing in stolen property, according to the arrest report.

The Times-Union is not naming him because he is a juvenile and no violence occurred.

“Our Student Code of Conduct identifies this behavior as a major violation with disciplinary action that could include a recommendation for expulsion,” said Tia Ford, spokeswoman for Duval County Public Schools.

“We recognize that this outcome is a direct result of the responsiveness and cooperation of our students, administrators and security teams,” Ford said. “We will continue to enact emergency operations procedures and encourage students and parents to continue such efforts that promote and build safety.”

Well, N4J named him and has his picture up on display. And did anyone who saw the news footage catch that on the sign in front of the school it says "plannig day, April 1st."??? And we wonder what is wrong with public education.