SANFORD, Fla. – The Seminole County school superintendent is urging parents to talk to their kids after two students at two different high schools were arrested Thursday, accused of having firearms on the campuses.
A student with a weapon was taken into police custody at Seminole High School in Sanford, and another was taken into custody at Lyman High School in Longwood.
Tips led to the discoveries.
The district says extra law enforcement and K9 weapon detection officers will be at both campuses, per safety protocols.
Sanford police later identified the student at Seminole High School as a 17-year-old, who was reportedly found hiding in a close at arrested without further issue. Police added that they found the gun near where the teen was, and no other students were harmed during the incident.
That student now faces charges of possession of a firearm under the age of 18; disruption of school function; and possession of a firearm on a school campus.
“I commend the swift action and bravery of the student that came forward reporting another student having a gun on campus,” Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith stated. “Those actions are a prime example of what we mean when we say, ‘See something, say something.’”
At Lyman High School, police found the glock with an extended magazine in a student’s backpack, according to the arrest affidavit.
Torean Gouch Jr., 16, was arrested and faces a charge of possession of a weapon on school property.
The report redacts much of Gouch’s confession to police, except that he sent a picture to a middle school student with the caption “I’ll protect you.”
After both incidents, Superintendent Serita Beamon sent a notice to all Seminole County Public Schools families, urging parents to make sure students are not coming to school with weapons, whether it’s a gun or a knife, by checking backpacks and making sure weapons at home are securely locked away.
The following is Beamon’s full statement:
“Our schools must remain sanctuaries for learning and growth, yet today that safety was compromised by two separate incidents involving firearms at Lyman High and Seminole High.
“While there was no indication of an intent to harm in these instances, to be very clear: the presence of a weapon on school grounds is dangerous, unacceptable, and a felony offense. These are not minor lapses in judgment; they are serious crimes that carry long-term consequences that will permanently impact a student’s life and future.
“It is imperative that our families partner with us by ensuring that all firearms, knives, or other weapons in the home are securely locked away and that you are actively aware of what your child is bringing to school in their backpack each day.
“Our collective safety depends on vigilance, and we urge everyone to continue to “see something and say something” by utilizing our anonymous reporting platforms, including the P3 Campus and FortifyFL apps, or the SpeakOut hotline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
“We are grateful for the strong relationships with our law enforcement partners who act immediately to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
“As we look to close out this school year strong, I’m asking for all of us to work together to help our students make good choices and keep our campuses safe and vibrant places for students and staff to thrive.”
Seminole schools sent this series of messages to Seminole High School parents as the situation unfolded:
Initial Message:
Seminole High and the Ninth Grade Center are both on a Code Red out of an abundance of caution while law enforcement investigates a possible issue. We will provide an update as soon as possible.
First Update:
Seminole High and the Ninth Grade Center remain on a Code Red out of an abundance of caution. Law enforcement has apprehended an individual of interest. As a reminder, please do not come to campus at this time. We will provide an update as soon as we are able.
Second Update – Transition to Code Yellow
The Code Red at Seminole High and the Nine Grade Center have been downgraded to a Code Yellow at this time. We will provide an update with more information as soon as possible.
Third Update – Code Yellow Closed
The Code Yellow at Seminole High and the Ninth Grade Center has been lifted. All students and staff are safe, and regular school operations are ongoing. We will send an email with more information shortly.
Fourth Update – Information and Email to Families
Dear ‘Noles,
I wanted to provide you with information about what led to the Code Red at Seminole High School this afternoon. Our administration received a tip that a student had a weapon on campus. We immediately engaged our law enforcement partners and conducted a search, and found the individual who was reported, and a weapon was found in their bag. Law enforcement immediately took this individual into custody.
Per our standard safety protocols, there will be additional police presence on campus, as well as a weapon-detection K9. We are thankful for our strong partnership with law enforcement and their quick response.
At this time, the campus is secure, and all school operations are ongoing as usual.
Principal Pfeiffer
Source: Seminole County Schools