SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A student who was shot several times at Seminole High School is “doing OK,” according to family members who spoke with News 6 hours after the shooting.
Jhavon McIntyre,18, was shot three times before 12 p.m. by the suspect, a 16-year-old student, according to police.
“The preliminary information kind of determines that it centers around a young lady or dispute over a young lady in school,” Sanford police Chief Cecil Smith.
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A family member of the victim did not know about the police’s statement regarding a dispute over a young lady. A family member said he didn’t have a girlfriend.
Sanford police later said the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a dead relative.
The victim suffered “non-life-threatening injuries” and was shot several times, according to Sanford police.
The victim’s father said his son is a corner on the football team and he is looking to play college ball. The victim’s dad worries this will hurt his chances for college.
“With the assistance of witnesses, staff and in-school surveillance, we were able to determine the suspect was the only shooter and that the other kids seen running were running away from the incident for their own safety,” Smith said.
The victim’s father told News 6 his son was shot three times — once in the wrist and once in each leg. As of 2:30 p.m., the father said he and the victim’s mother had not been able to see their son.
The family said McIntyre is recovering after doctors performed surgery on his wrist.
Sanford police held a briefing about the shooting and the arrest. A school official confirmed to News 6 the accused shooter attends Seminole High School.
The dad of the victim said he is close friends with the accused gunman’s dad and he grew up near the gunman’s dad.
County officials said the student charged in the shooting will have a court appearance at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Da’raveius Smith was arrested after officers said he shot an 18-year-old student inside a school building just before noon.
Smith is facing one count of attempted homicide, one count of possession of a firearm on campus, one count of firing a weapon and one count of disturbing the peace while interfering with school administration functions.