Daniel Byers, 18, of Bell High School was arrested following an incident that occurred at the conclusion the Pirate football game Friday night. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader
The 18-year-old Bell High School player involved in an incident at the conclusion of Friday's Pirate football game has been arrested, the Fernandina Beach Police Department confirmed.
Chief Jeffrey Tambasco told the News-Leader on Tuesday evening, Daniel Byers, 18, was arrested around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Gilchrist County.
Tuesday morning, FBPD issued a press release announcing it had secured the arrest warrant for Byers.
"The charges stem from an incident that occurred on October 31st, during a football game between Fernandina Beach High School and Bell High School. During the game, Mr. Byers aggressively pushed and then removed the helmet of a 15-year-old Fernandina Beach High School player, subsequently striking him in the head with it," the press release stated. "Referees and coaching staff intervened quickly, but multiple scuffles erupted both on and off the field. Two Fernandina Beach Police Department Officers, who were working the game, were able to gain control of the situation and separate those involved. As a precautionary measure, the Bell High School bus and players were escorted off Amelia Island by the Fernandina Beach Police Department."
The incident occurred at the end of the Pirates’ 48-21 victory in the Sunshine State Athletic Association district first round. Byers, wearing number 55, appeared to remove a freshman player’s helmet and hit him with it, causing the Pirates player to go down. A few players from both teams engaged in pushing and shoving, before coaches and referees separated them.
On Monday, Fernandina Beach High School Principal Chris Webber said the incident had been reported to the Sunshine State Athletic Association for investigation.
“Bell Middle/Senior High School administration is aware of the incident and appropriate disciplinary consequences will be administered. The safety of our student athletes and proper sportsmanship are top priorities for all athletic programs at Fernandina Beach High School. We are proud of how our players, coaches, staff members, parents and fans represent the Pirate community. They are all to be commended for their response to what could have escalated into something much worse.”
Tambasco said the investigation is ongoing.