Authorities in Florida are searching for a suspect suspected of opening fire on several teens during a brawl near a local high school on February 14, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office report. ing.
Jaffari Prince Edwards, 24, is a person of interest who allegedly fired shots at the teens. video the sheriff's office posted on its Facebook page. The newspaper said authorities are asking for help from anyone who may have information about the suspect. post.
Deputies believe a fight between the two girls resulted in one of them calling Edwards, who arrived and began shooting. fox 13 report. (Related: 4 students shot dead in Valentine's Day drive-by)
𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭🚨
HCSO is asking for your help in locating Jafary Prince Edwards, a suspect wanted for firing a gun at several teens on the street at Spoto High School.
If anyone has any information, please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. pic.twitter.com/rCx6mvGEAJ— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) February 23, 2024
According to FOX13, surveillance video shows students carrying backpacks scrambling for safety as Edwards allegedly discharged bullets from his firearm.
The video also shows Edwards firing into the moving car as the teens try to flee the scene, the newspaper reported.
This incident is just the latest in a series of similar incidents, youth gun violence prevention activists told FOX13.
“When incidents like this happen, we lose our sails and we say, 'How much more can we do to really get this message out to people, to children, to young people, that you're wrong?' “Do I have to pick up a firearm in response to anger or a temporary situation?'' Freddie Barton, executive director of Safe & Sound Hillsboro, was quoted as saying. .
FOX13 reports that in the 18 months since Burton started the program designed for juvenile gun offenders, 44 teens have successfully completed the program. Barton said the number of graduates shows how needed such programs are, according to the newspaper.
“We're trying to tell parents that you have a role to play,” Barton said. “Let's find out what's going on with your child so you two can de-escalate the situation before it escalates out of control.”
