As West Po students passed from 2nd to 4th periods this morning, there was an altercation between three students in the Gunston hallway connector. This fight led to one student being stabbed with a knife multiple times and another being detained by police.
The victim of the stabbing ran from the fight before collapsing from his injuries in the 600’s hallway. He was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
A message sent to parents and staff at 10:16 a.m., roughly 30 minutes after the stabbing says, “West Potomac High School remains in a Stay Put, Stay Tuned safety protocol following an isolated incident at the school. The situation has been contained and all students in the school are safe. Please do not come to the school at this time. Students are not being released at this time.” An update about the situation was supposed to be sent out thirty minutes after this message; however, there has been no update and it has been over an hour.
The person who stabbed the victim is now in custody, after an altercation with our School Resource officer and other staff members.
Students were quick to record the situation, with footage of the incident, from the initial fight, to the stabbing, to the apprehension all being spread across the school. Videos and photos posted on social media showed the gruesome scene. Students with footage on their phone were asked to give their footage and their information to the police, as it is considered evidence.
Students around the area where the incident occurred were forced to relocate. Word of the stabbing spread quickly throughout the school leaving several students scared for their safety.
Police officers have been seen patrolling the outside of the building, with police cars entering and exiting the school for security purposes. A group of parents have gathered outside the building and are sharing their opinions with the press.
Currently, there is an ongoing investigation into the stabbing. The 16 year old victim is now in stable condition.
Students will be walked to the cafeteria to grab their lunches, and brought back to their 4th period classrooms. They will also be given the opportunity to go to the bathroom.
West Po student services, social workers, and psychologists are available to meet with students. If students need help, they can ask their teacher to see student services.
The West Po Wire will update the story as there are more developments.
