In Putnam County, officials reported the arrest of a man who breached school security by scaling a fence and entering a campus armed with a billy club during a lockdown. The incident unfolded at Interlachen Junior-Senior High School on April 17, causing concern among students and staff.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded swiftly after receiving a threat notification through the FortifyFL system, which led to an immediate lockdown of the school. Deputies were dispatched to secure the premises and ensure the safety of those inside.
Amid this tense situation, surveillance footage revealed 34-year-old Steven Musgrove, who was shirtless and wielding a billy club, as he made his way onto the school grounds. He was seen scaling the perimeter fence and positioning himself behind a pillar near the school library, raising alarms further.
In response, a second lockdown was triggered as Musgrove roamed an exterior hallway. He then climbed another fence and made his way to the front parking lot, evading immediate confrontation by school guardians and deputies.
Musgrove managed to leave the campus in a vehicle before law enforcement or security personnel could intercept him, according to official reports. The incident has heightened awareness and prompted discussions about school safety measures in the community.
Musgrove left the campus in a vehicle before deputies or school guardians could confront him, officials said.
“Mr. Musgrove is extremely fortunate that the school was already on a lockdown when he illegally scaled a perimeter fence in order to gain entry,” Putnam County Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said in a statement. “If he had remained on campus, he would have been met with deadly force.”
DeLoach emphasized that law enforcement will act quickly to protect students and staff during active threats.
Authorities also warned parents and family members not to attempt to enter school grounds during lockdowns, saying such actions can interfere with law enforcement operations and may be perceived as a threat.
“Parents who attempt to take vigilant justice not only impede our ability to stop a threat, they can be considered a threat themselves, especially when armed,” DeLoach said.
Musgrove was later arrested and charged with interfering with school administration functions, armed trespassing on school property, possession of a weapon on school grounds and violation of drug offender probation. He is being held without bond.
