ATWATER (KMJ) — Investigators say they currently have no idea why a teenager stabbed a fellow student in a north valley school.
The incident took place at Atwater High, which is in the City of Atwater itself, Wednesday morning. Police say two students between the ages of 15 and 16 appear to be involved, with one stabbing the other.
“The suspect randomly came up to the victim and stabbed him approximately five times in the back and once in the hand”, says Lieutenant Sammy Joseph.
“[He] fled from the scene, staff members began chasing him, they notified us, officers arrived on scene within 30 seconds, saw the suspect running, staff members were able to detain him as the officers arrived on scene and took him into custody”.
Atwater Police state that it was only by chance there was officer was close to the school at the time, but the dedicated school resource officer called in sick that morning which is why an extra patrol was in the area.
With the scene itself secure, the motive is now in question.
“We’re trying to figure out if its gang related, but it’s hard to explain. It’s a special area, special needs area, we’re not really sure”, continues Lieutenant Joseph. “We’re still trying to verify [that] right now. It’s very early in the investigation”.
The victim was flown to hospital in Modesto, and his injuries are not considered to be life threatening.
