3 Teenagers Arrested After Gun Found at Rockledge High School

Oct. 4th, 2024 -- 11pm: By: The Blake Moia Show

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Suspects Identified as Damien Ffrench, Keshaun J. Artis, and Kristian McKesson

ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA

Authorities arrested three perpetrators after a lockdown at Rockledge High School interrupted the day while police investigated a report of a gun on the school’s campus.

Rockledge Police Chief Christopher Crawford publicly identified the arrested subjects as 19-year-old Damien Ffrench, 17-year-old Keshaun J. Artis, and 15-year-old Kristian McKesson.

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Gun Found on Campus

According to authorities a gun was found on one of the subjects at Rockledge Highschool. The incident happened at around 12:15pm on Thursday, and police officials were able to "quickly and professionally" put the school on lockdown and clear the school of any potential threats.

"While I am sorry this incident may have caused stress to our students and their families, it was necessary to make certain of their safety," the chief of Police of the City of Rockledge said.

19-Year-Old Damien Ffrench

According to arrest record reports, 19-year-old Damien Ffrench was arrested two years ago by the Rockledge Police Department for trespassing onto school grounds, resisting an officer, assaulting a police officer and threatening to kill someone.

That incident, according to arrest records, stems from him being suspended from school due his "bad attitude" and was told to leave campus.

When the school resource officer spotted him on campus sitting outside the classroom, he refused to listen to the officer and began to resist arrest and lawful orders.

Ffrench made verbal comments that he was going to shoot Officer Hattaway, according to the arrest report.

Ffrench was eventually put into handcuffs and booked into jail. Later, he was ordered to pay over $800 in fines and ordered to write Officer Hattaway and Sarah Perry a letter of apology.

He was arrested again today.

15-Year-Old Kristian McKesson

Authorities arrested 15-year-old Kristian McKesson today after a lockdown went into place at Rockledge High School.

Administrators say McKesson was on the school's varsity basketball team.

17-Year-Old Keshaun J. Artis

Authorities say no injuries were reported, and students were safely released to their parents from school following the incident.

Law enforcement have confirmed that the three students involved are facing multiple felony charges, including, trespassing, possession of a firearm on school property and disruption of school function.

Law Enforcement Response

“The school was secured quickly and professionally by our Officers and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Deputies,” Chief Christopher Crawford said.

A photo taken by a student inside one of the classrooms shows law enforcement with long-guns searching the campus for any threats.

After hours of shelter in place ordered, the official all clear was given for dismissal.

The Blake Moia Show will continue to report on any disruptions to school functions.

Reaction From the Rockledge Police Chief

In a statement, Rockledge Chief of Police Christopher Crawford said, "I want to make it clear that violence, threats of violence, and/or weapons will not be tolerated in the City of Rockledge schools. I also want to make it clear that association with, knowledge of, or assistance to those making threats or possessing weapons will not be tolerated. I ask that anyone with further information regarding this incident contact the Rockledge Police Department at (321) 690-3988."

The chief urges the public, "If you see something, or know something - say something."

"I want to thank our partners at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard Public Schools, and the Rockledge Fire Department for their assistance. This is an ongoing investigation, and no further comment will be made at this time."

The Blake Moia Show adds that the innocent children who go to school to learn and get an education are scared to go to school and learn now.

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