Student arrested following West Orange High lockdown

A brief lockdown at West Orange High School Thursday, Jan. 23, has been lifted.

In a ConnectOrange message to parents, Principal Melissa Gordon said the lockdown was in response to a report of a student with a possible weapon on campus.

"Law enforcement and district police were immediately notified and the student was located, searched and found to be in possession of a weapon in his backpack," Gordon said. "At no time was it displayed in a threatening manner."

Gordon said the student was been arrested. She assured parents that the safety of students and staff always is the school's top priority.

"We strongly encourage you to speak with your son or daughter about making good choices and to regularly check your student's backpack for items that are not allowed at campus," she said. "Please reiterate to your student, 'If you see something, say something.'"

To report anything suspicious, Gordon said, students and parents can call the school at (407) 905-2400. They can also report through the Speakout Hotline at 1-800-423-8477 or via the FortifyFL app.