Palatka, Florida, February 10, 2026
In Palatka, Florida, four students were arrested after a firearm was found on the campus of Palatka Junior-Senior High School. The discovery led to a school lockdown and multiple charges against the students, including possession of a firearm on school property. The incident highlights concerns about safety in schools, especially following recent tragedies involving firearms. The school district has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for weapons and commended the student who reported the issue.
Palatka, Florida: Four Students Arrested After Gun Found at Palatka Junior-Senior High School
Palatka, Florida – Four students were arrested on Monday after a firearm was discovered on the campus of Palatka Junior-Senior High School, leading to a school lockdown and multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school property and disruption of a school function, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident Details
The situation unfolded when a student overheard peers discussing a firearm on campus and promptly reported it to school administration. In response, the school was immediately placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. During the investigation, law enforcement officials determined that a 15-year-old, two 16-year-olds, and a 17-year-old student had exchanged text messages about the gun being broken and discussed repairing it together. Throughout the school day, the firearm was passed among the four students, with each having possession at different times. All four students were removed from class during the lockdown, and the single firearm was recovered. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. When the students were taken to the Putnam County Jail, one of the students was found to have a THC vape in his pocket and faces additional charges for introducing contraband into a jail facility and possession of marijuana.
Law Enforcement Response
Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach expressed concern about the severity of the situation, especially given the community’s recent loss of a student to an accidental shooting. He emphasized the seriousness of bringing firearms onto school campuses and the potential consequences for students and the community.
School District’s Statement
The Putnam County School District commended the student who reported the concern and thanked school administrators and law enforcement partners for their swift action to ensure the safety of students and staff. The district emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for weapons on campus and encouraged students and families to continue reporting concerns through trusted adults or the FortifyFL app.
Background Context
This incident follows a previous case in April 2025, when a 17-year-old student at Palatka Junior-Senior High School was arrested after a revolver and 17 shotgun shells were found in his pickup truck on school grounds. The search of the vehicle was conducted following an off-campus fight involving the student. Sheriff DeLoach reiterated the school’s strict stance against firearms on campus, stating that any student bringing a firearm to school would be arrested and charged, regardless of their background or affiliations.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | February 9, 2026 |
| Location | Palatka Junior-Senior High School, Palatka, Florida |
| Number of Students Arrested | Four |
| Charges | Possession of a firearm on school property, disruption of a school function, introduction of contraband into a jail facility, possession of marijuana |
| Law Enforcement Involved | Putnam County Sheriff’s Office |
| School District’s Response | Commended reporting student, emphasized zero-tolerance policy for weapons on campus, encouraged use of FortifyFL app for reporting concerns |
| Previous Incident | April 2025: 17-year-old student arrested after firearm found in pickup truck on school grounds |
FAQ
What happened at Palatka Junior-Senior High School?
On February 9, 2026, four students were arrested after a firearm was discovered on campus, leading to a school lockdown and multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school property and disruption of a school function.
How did the authorities respond to the incident?
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation, leading to the arrest of the four students. Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach emphasized the seriousness of bringing firearms onto school campuses and the potential consequences for students and the community.
What is the Putnam County School District’s stance on weapons on campus?
The district has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons on campus and encourages students and families to report concerns through trusted adults or the FortifyFL app to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Has there been a similar incident at Palatka Junior-Senior High School before?
Yes, in April 2025, a 17-year-old student was arrested after a revolver and 17 shotgun shells were found in his pickup truck on school grounds. The search was conducted following an off-campus fight involving the student.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Body of Missing Man Found in St. Johns River
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.
