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October 22, 2024 – Suntree, Florida

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The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident in which a firearm was found in an abandoned backpack near a school in Suntree. Although the backpack was located in a vacant lot adjacent to the school, it was not on school property. Authorities have confirmed that a juvenile has been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Tod Goodyear, confirmed in an email that the investigation is ongoing and additional details will be released once the inquiry is completed. According to Goodyear, a more comprehensive update is expected tomorrow after all aspects of the case are fully investigated.

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In response to the incident, Suntree school officials issued a message to parents to address any potential concerns. The message emphasized that there was no reason to believe the discovery of the firearm was related to the school. However, out of caution, there will be an increased police presence on campus. The message, signed by school leadership, reassured parents that the safety of students and staff remains the top priority.

The statement read:

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“We wanted to make you aware of an investigation by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office into a firearm that was discovered in an empty lot in a neighborhood near our school but not on school property. At this time, there’s no reason to believe that this discovery is related to our school, but due to the close proximity, I wanted to make families aware. No threats were made to our school. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an additional police presence on campus tomorrow. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. The safety and security of students and staff is our number one priority.”

Local residents had already taken to social media to discuss the law enforcement presence in the area, with reports suggesting the juvenile suspect had been under prior surveillance and may have had previous interactions with law enforcement. According to one resident, a student discovered the backpack while walking home from school and alerted authorities.

Further updates are expected from the Sheriff’s Office as the investigation progresses.

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