VIDEO: Florida High School Football Player Arrested After On-Field Attack using a Helmet During Game
A Florida High School football player has been arrested following a violent on-field altercation during a game in Fernandina Beach last Friday.
According to the Fernandina Beach Police Department, officers obtained an arrest warrant for Daniel Byers, 18, a student-athlete at Bell High School, on a misdemeanor battery charge. Byers was taken into custody in Gilchrist County on Tuesday afternoon and released on bond a few hours later.
Authorities said the incident occurred during the Halloween night game when Byers allegedly pushed and removed the helmet of a 15-year-old Fernandina Beach High School player before striking him in the head with it. Officers quickly intervened to break up the confrontation, and Bell High School’s players were escorted off Amelia Island shortly after.
The Gilchrist County School District released a statement addressing the situation, emphasizing that the behavior does not align with the district’s standards.
“The Gilchrist County School District is aware of an incident that occurred during the recent football game between Bell High School and Fernandina Beach High School, in which a Bell High School student struck a Fernandina Beach High School student with a helmet,” the statement read.
“We want to be clear that the Gilchrist County School District does not condone any form of aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior. This incident does not reflect the values or expectations we hold for our students, athletes, or community. The situation is currently under review in accordance with district policies and athletic guidelines. Because this matter involves students, we are limited in the details we can share. Appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of our review. We remain committed to promoting respect, sportsmanship, and integrity—both on and off the field—for all Gilchrist County Schools students and teams,” said Superintendent Gina Geiger.
Police say the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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