News Summary
A troubling incident at a Jacksonville middle school has resulted in more than a dozen students facing misdemeanor charges following a violent locker room assault on an 11-year-old classmate. Thirteen students received civil citations as the victim’s family raises concerns about safety and supervision. The situation highlights pressing issues around bullying and student safety in schools, prompting community discussions on the need for better oversight during vulnerable moments such as practice and locker room time.
Jacksonville – More than a dozen students at a local middle school are facing possible misdemeanor charges following a violent attack on a classmate that occurred after a football practice. Thirteen students have received juvenile civil citations and have been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for evaluation of potential misdemeanor battery charges, as reported by Duval County Public Schools (DCPS).
The incident involved an 11-year-old student who sustained injuries in a locker room assault late last month. According to the victim’s grandmother, the attack has left her grandson feeling unsafe and reluctant to return to school. The family suspects that the ordeal may have been incited by the victim’s upcoming position as the team’s running back.
The assault was characterized by the victim being picked up, thrown into a trash bin, and subsequently beaten by fellow teammates who purportedly claimed it was the victim’s birthday. The grandmother has provided photographs of her grandson showing injuries, alongside medical documentation reflecting pain in his back and shoulders, in addition to a sprained ankle.
DCPS confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing, led by both the district police and the school officials. In response to this alarming event, the grandmother has expressed concerns regarding the need for increased adult supervision in locker rooms to avert similar situations in the future.
While DCPS indicated that they have established procedures to ensure adult supervision in locker rooms and other facilities, they have not disclosed specific details about these protocols. A spokesperson for the district stated they are reviewing and bolstering existing measures to maintain a safe environment for all students at the school.
The State Attorney’s Office is currently assessing the situation to determine if additional steps in the juvenile justice system are warranted. If the accused students sign their juvenile civil citations, the matter will proceed to Teen Court. However, if they do not sign, the State Attorney’s Office will deliberate on potential charges.
Meanwhile, the family of the victim is engaging in discussions with legal counsel concerning possible litigation related to the incident, although further comments from them have not been issued.
This situation has prompted discussions in the Jacksonville community regarding student safety and the importance of adult oversight in school settings, especially during vulnerable moments like locker room and practice time. Concerns over bullying and peer violence have become critical topics for parents and educators alike, urging a re-evaluation of existing policies and practices to foster a safe learning environment for students.
As investigations continue, community members are anxious to see what measures will be taken to prevent such incidents and are hopeful for a resolution that not only addresses the specific situation but also contributes to the overall well-being and safety of students in schools across the district.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax
- Wikipedia: Bullying
- First Coast News
- Google Search: locker room safety in schools
- 11Alive
- Google Scholar: school violence prevention
- News4Jax Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: school security
- Action News Jax
- Google News: student safety in schools
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.


