Sister says woman arrested for gun at Ribault was protecting nephew

Brawl involving students broke out shortly after

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The woman arrested Wednesday, accused of bringing a loaded gun to Ribault High School was protecting her nephew, who was threatened by students, her sister told News4Jax.

Sharon Kelly appeared at the Duval County Courthouse Thursday morning, where a judge set her bond at $100,000. She was arrested on a charge of possession of a firearm on school property the morning a brawl involving dozens of students broke out in Ribault High School's gym.

Kelly's sister, Victoria Mincey, said Kelly had just dropped off her nephew, who is a sophomore at Ribault High School. Shortly after, Kelly received a phone call from her nephew saying he was scared students were going to beat him up, Mincey said.

"He called her [Kelly] back and said 'they are trying to double team me, please get here,'" Mincey said. "That's what she did, and she turned around and made contact and went to the school."

RELATED: Woman with gun arrested after fight at Ribault

According to Jacksonville police, Kelly returned with a gun, which she had out so people could see it. Guns are not allowed on school campuses and Ribault has a sign posted at the front entrance as a reminder.

According to Mincey, her nephew had already told her he was being threatened and Mincey went to the school Tuesday to bring it to the principal's attention. Mincey said nothing was done in response.

As for the brawl, Mincey said it started with her nephew getting attacked and then others jumped in. Mincey said Kelly is a good person and was trying to help her nephew. She said Ribault needs better security.

UNCUT: Fight at Ribault High School

The Duval County School District told News4Jax security has been increased at the school following the incident. News4Jax noticed two school resource officers in front of the school Thursday. The School District is also doing a thorough review of the campus to determine whether additional security measures are needed.

Pastor John Guns works across the street from the school at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. He helps youth in the area through various programs and believes parents need to be held accountable for the behavior of the students.

"Become engaged in your child's life beyond simply purchasing them shoes and clothes," Guns said. "Even more importantly, set a standard spiritually and morally that will allow your children to ascribe to something that will give them the foundation for how to manage life."

Guns recommends parents get their students involved in mentoring programs like Operation Save Our Sons and the Boys and Girls Club.