ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police say a large fight that broke out as students were being released from a local middle school Thursday afternoon led to gunshots being fired.
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According to police, three school resource officers witnessed a “large brawl” break out amongst a group of students as Carver Middle School was letting out around 4:15 p.m.
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At the end of the fight, the resource officers say they heard the sound of gunshots and each immediately responded to the area.
Three people were taken into custody within a matter of minutes, according to police.
No injuries were reported.
Police say they believe the person responsible for the shooting was a local high school student and that the intended target may have been a student at the middle school.
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In a Connect Orange message alerting Carver Middle School parents about the incident, Principal Jackie Ramsey said the school was placed on a brief “secure” status due to the gunfire.
Ramsey said there would be extra security on campus Friday and counselors available for students who need to talk to someone about what happened.
OPD School Resource Officer Section Commander Lieutenant Jean Gabriel said extra officers had already been positioned at the school in recent weeks due to the number of fights taking place just off campus.
Lt. Gabriel said the fights are often instigated by petty issues like social media posts.
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He says they’ve been taking actions to prevent the fights, but are asking the community to step up and help.
They’re actually inviting parents and community leaders to physically go to the school after dismissal to create a visible presence and safer environment for students as they leave campus.
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Cox Media Group
