Rockledge High Incident Verifies Need for Brevard Public Schools’ Upcoming Weapons Detection Systems

Rockledge High goes on lockdown, semiautomatic pistol was found after a search

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – To further ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff, Brevard Public Schools’ recent announcement about the installation of an advanced weapons detection systems at its high schools has become more compelling with Friday’s incident at Rockledge High School.

Rockledge police officers arrested three suspects after a lockdown at Rockledge High School interrupted Friday’s classes while police investigated a report of a gun on the school’s campus.

Rockledge Police Chief Christopher Crawford identified the suspects arrested as Damien Ffrench, 19; Keshaun J. Artis, 17; and Kristian McKesson, 15. According to reports, Ffrench was arrested two weeks ago by the Rockledge Police Department for trespassing onto school grounds, resisting an officer, assaulting a police officer and threatening to kill someone.

A Rockledge Police Department spokesperson said, at around 12:15 p.m. on Friday, police received a report of a person with a firearm at Rockledge High School.

The report resulted in a shelter-in-place order for the high school, and during the investigation, a lockdown was ordered by police. After the investigation, the lockdown was lifted, and a gun was found. Students were then released from school and no one was injured.

These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the protection of everyone on school premises without disrupting the day-to-day educational experience.

Brevard Public Schools officials said the district will install the OpenGate weapons detection systems at Space Coast high schools during the 2024-2025 school year, key points include:

■ Commitment to Safety: The safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. As part of this commitment, BPS will begin the phased installation of OpenGate® walk-through, state-of-the-art weapons detection at Melbourne High School on October 8-9. Our 15 other high schools will follow throughout the year.

■ Efficient and Non-Intrusive Screening: The OpenGate® systems are designed to quickly and non-intrusively scan individuals for dangerous or prohibited items as they enter school buildings. This technology will help maintain the flow of foot traffic, minimizing delays during student drop-off and entry into school while ensuring a safer environment for all. Students and visitors will pass through the gates as they enter, with laptops or similar items removed from backpacks to prevent unnecessary alerts.

■ Clear Procedures for Alerts: In the event that the system triggers an alert, the individual will be subject to a secondary search.

“I’m thankful to the School Board for providing this additional layer of security and to our partnership with the Sheriff’s Office for working to get this state-of-the-art weapon detection system into our schools,” said Superintendent, Dr. Mark Rendell.

As these systems are rolled out, Brevard Public Schools will continue to prioritize transparent communication with parents and guardians, ensuring they are fully informed about the new procedures and how they will impact daily routines.

The goal is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all students while minimizing any educational disruptions.

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