Teenager in custody after student is stabbed at Fitchburg school
FITCHBURG - A teenage student was arrested Wednesday afternoon after police said another student was stabbed at a Massachusetts school, which went into a lockdown that has since been lifted.
15-year-old charged
It happened just before 2 p.m. at Goodrich Academy in Fitchburg. Police said the student who was stabbed was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK.
A 15-year-old student was taken into custody and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police said the stabbing appeared to be targeted and there's no ongoing threat to other students.
"It's two seconds away from our house, it's right there, you know?" said Brianna Thibodeau, whose sister attends the school. "I can see what's going on, I can see what's happening and I can hear her school bell ring everyday and knowing she's OK. And knowing that she couldn't have been OK is mind blowing."
"I would like to think any school is safe but this is America, we know they're not, said Khalel, a parent. "I think there should be a strict policy. If you get caught with this stuff, you're out of the school and there is no coming back from that, period."
School reopening Thursday
Fitchburg Superintendent Jon Thompson said in a letter sent home to families that classes were canceled for the rest of the day Wednesday but the school would reopen Thursday. He said a police officer will be at the school for the rest of the week. There will also be counseling available at the school for the rest of the week.
Goodrich Academy is an alternative school for teenagers in Fitchburg with families of their own, learning disabilities or social issues.