The Fernandina Beach Police Department has issued a warrant for Daniel Byers, accused of hitting another player with a helmet during a Halloween football match.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — On Tuesday, authorities in Fernandina Beach announced they are seeking the arrest of an 18-year-old football player from Bell High School. The player is alleged to have “aggressively pushed” and struck a Fernandina Beach High School player on the head using a helmet during a Halloween game.
This warrant is a result of an incident on Halloween, occurring in a game between Fernandina Beach High and Bell High School, as reported by the police department.
According to police, Daniel Byers forcefully removed the helmet of a 15-year-old player from Fernandina Beach High and subsequently struck him with it.
“Although referees and coaching staff rapidly intervened, several altercations broke out both on and off the field,” stated the police department in a release. “Two officers from the Fernandina Beach Police Department, present at the game, managed to restore order and separate those involved. As a precaution, the Fernandina Beach Police escorted the Bell High School bus and players off Amelia Island.”
Currently, the specific charges that Byers might face remain undisclosed.
The Gilchrist County School District, which is the school district Bell High School is in, released the following statement regarding the incident:
“Gilchrist County Schools is aware of an incident that occurred during the recent football game between Bell High School and Fernandina Beach High School, in which a Bell High School student struck a Fernandina Beach High School student with a helmet.
We want to be clear that Gilchrist County Schools does not condone any form of aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior. This incident does not reflect the values or expectations we hold for our students, athletes, or community.
The situation is currently under review in accordance with district policies and athletic guidelines. Because this matter involves students, we are limited in the details we can share. Appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of our review.
We remain committed to promoting respect, sportsmanship, and integrity—both on and off the field—for all Gilchrist County Schools students and teams.”
