In a swift and decisive response, Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith confirmed that a potentially dangerous situation near a local high school was effectively managed, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. Thankfully, no students were harmed during the incident.
On Friday, Sheriff Smith relayed details of the arrest of two 20-year-olds in Starke, Florida, following reports of suspicious activity near Bradford High School. The suspects were allegedly spotted conducting a suspicious “exchange” involving a shotgun.
The incident unfolded around 12:30 p.m. when a vigilant school district employee noticed two individuals in a parking lot adjacent to the school’s tennis courts. The pair appeared to be exchanging a shotgun, which was partially concealed under a towel, prompting immediate concern.
Responding swiftly, deputies arrived on the scene, and the school was placed on a “Shelter in Place” status as a precautionary measure. Sheriff Smith reassured the public that at no point were students in direct danger, and clarified that no firearms were discharged during the incident.
The suspects, identified as Devin Ramos from Gainesville and Issac Likens from Jacksonville, were apprehended without incident. According to Sheriff Smith, the two had intended to trade the shotgun to a third party residing in Duval County. They initially gathered at a local convenience store but opted for the school parking lot due to the presence of too many people at the original location.
Ramos and Likens now face serious charges, including felony possession of a firearm on school property and misdemeanor disruption of a school function. Both are being held without bond as the investigation continues.
