LCSO: Rickards student arrested for bringing knife to school

• A 14-year-old Rickards High School student was arrested for bringing a utility knife to school.
• The student was charged with possession of a weapon on school property.
• The student faces potential expulsion in addition to the criminal charge.

A 14-year-old ninth grader is facing criminal charges after bringing a utility knife onto the Rickards High School campus, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

The teen, who was not named, was charged with possession of a weapon on school property after a black utility multitool knife with a 4.3-inch folding stainless steel blade was found in the student's front pocket.

"On Wednesday, April 29th, a School Resource Deputy was notified that a 14-year-old ninth-grade student was reportedly in possession of a knife on school property at Rickards High School," an April 30 press release said.

Administrators at the high school on Jim Lee Road searched the student for the weapon and discovered it in the student's front pocket.

The student will also face disciplinary action under the Leon County Schools Student Code of Conduct, which includes consequences as severe as expulsion.

The arrest comes nearly a month after a Godby High School student was arrested for bringing a loaded stolen gun to school.

"The Leon County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that weapons are strictly prohibited on school campuses and encourages anyone with safety concerns to report them to school administration," LCSO spokesperson Javonni Hampton said.

Alaijah Cross covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at [email protected].