Disturbance forced lockdown at Eastside Elementary.
Staff report
Two armed individuals were arrested Wednesday morning after causing a disturbance that locked down a Columbia County elementary school.
During a disturbance at a residence across SE Defender Ave. from the school, Eastside Elementary School Resource Deputy Kobe Kimble noticed Tyrese Bradley, 21, lift his shirt like he was displaying a weapon, according to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office release.
“This incident reinforces my commitment to have fully sworn deputies in all of our schools,” Sheriff Mark Hunter said. “Had there not been someone on campus with this type of training and experience, this situation could have been much worse.”
That led to Kimble, who was making security rounds along the inside perimeter of the campus, placing the school on lockdown as Bradley walked away from the residence.
When patrol units arrived, the release states Bradley fled on foot toward E. Duval Street.
During the chase, a deputy noticed Bradley was armed with a handgun, although he discarded it during the pursuit. The release states the weapon was recovered near where Bradley was apprehended.
As additional officers responded, Kimble was notified that another suspect — 19-year-old Ja’ Marion Terry — was running toward the school near an apartment complex.
The release states Kimble met Terry at the corner of the complex at gunpoint with the teen surrendering.
Another firearm was found discarded in that immediate area, according to the CCSO. That weapon was reported stolen out of Duval County.
Both Bradley and Terry were transported to the Columbia County Detention Facility without further incident.
Bradley was charged with resisting without violence, tampering with evidence, possession of a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, violation of probation and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
Terry was charged with possession of a concealed firearm, tampering with evidence and grand theft of a firearm.