APOPKA, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a teen was shot in the parking lot at Wekiva High school in Apopka on Friday night. 

The shooting happened after a basketball game against Edgewater and sent the school into a lockdown.

It also led to increased security at the school on Monday.


What You Need To Know

  •  A teen was shot outside Wekiva High School in Apopka Friday night

  •  The shooting, which happened after a basketball game, sent the school into a lockdown and prompted increased security on campus Monday

  • Some parents say increased security isn't enough to truly address the issue

Ray Armstrong, the grandfather of a sophomore student at the school, said he could not believe he was hearing about another shooting.

“I was like, 'Man, I don’t know what this world is coming to,'” he said. 

In November, a teen was shot and killed at a high school football playoff game between Wekiva High School and Jones High School.

Officials say two other people were also shot in that incident.

While Armstrong said he doesn’t usually worry about his grandson, he does when guns are involved. 

“When it comes to a weapon or a gun, you know you can't take shots about that,” he said.

Even seeing an increased law enforcement presence at the school has not put Armstrong at ease, as Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigators say they are still looking for a suspect. 

“I feel here that they are doing a good job here at Wekiva, but I think they need to have a little but more police presence,” said Armstrong.

On the other hand Quan Smith, a father of five, said he doesn’t think more law enforcement will make a difference.

“Police, the aftermath, they aren't there in the beginning," said Smith.  "By the time the police get there, they are trying to find out who did what, how it went down.”

Smith said he does not let his kids attend after school events because of the possibility of violence — like what happened on Friday after the basketball game. 

“And I had a bad feeling that night," said Smith. 

He believes change is needed across the board to keep this from happening yet again.

“I mean, as a whole, we have to combat — the parents, community and teachers and everybody need to come back and make something available for the kids to do to combat this crime that we’ve got,” said Smith. 

Sheriff's Office officials say school administrators determine the need and number of deputies at events like Friday night's game.

When asked about any longterm changes to safety procedures, district officials released a statement that said there will be enhanced security at both Wekiva and Edgewater high schools until further notice, but did not disclose specific safety measures. 

Read Orange County Public Schools' full statement:

“Orange County Public Schools continually reviews its safety procedures and makes necessary enhancements to provide a safe environment for all individuals on district property. School District Police continue to work closely with local law enforcement in their investigation however, in an effort to maintain a safe environment we cannot disclose specific safety measures that are currently in place. There will be enhanced security at both Wekiva and Edgewater high schools until further notice. The safety of students and staff always comes first.”