13-year-old stabs student at Monhagen Middle School in Middletown, police say
WALLKILL, N.Y. -- There was a frightening scene on Wednesday morning at a suburban middle school. Police say a 13-year-old stabbed another 13-year-old student multiple times.
Students and staff hid during a lockdown at Monhagen Middle School, which is part of the enlarged Middletown City School District in Orange County.
It's not hard to imagine the fear and tension that engulfed students staff and parents. Chopper 2 was overhead during the massive police response at the school.
There are about 800 students total in grades 6, 7, and 8. Two were injured during the stabbing in the eighth grade wing.
Before the exact threat was understood, the school went into lockdown.
CBS New York spoke with several young students with permission from their parents.
"When I was going down to the hallway, I saw little blood drops, so I assume it's from that," Jaiden Mojica said.
"I thought once somebody started banging on the door I'd have a heart attack. We were in the library, right? The teachers turned off the lights and we couldn't see anything. I mean, scary, scary, just scary," Alexander Torres said.
Amy Creeden, the superintendent of the school district, said the injured students were treated and taken to the hospital, adding they are expected to recover.
"All students involved were immediately removed from campus and are in police custody," Creeden said.
The superintendent did not reveal what sparked the violence and refused to take questions.
Sporting events and practices were later canceled.
Monhagen Middle School had eight reported assaults and six incidents of weapons possession, including a BB gun confiscated from a student, during the 2021-22 school year. Many parents are concerned and want to see more done to keep their kids safe.
"My feeling is our kids are not safe, and they always try to brush everything off," Nina Damian said.
"Metal detectors at schools. I think that's the only way you're gonna keep weapons, whether it's a gun or a knife, out of schools. So, if they do that on a daily basis, I don't think that you'll have a situation like this occur," Henry Mojica added.
It's clear school security will be an ongoing topic of discussion in the Middletown district.
According to the superintendent, one 13-year-old was charged and is being prosecuted by the Orange County Attorney's Office.
In a letter, the superintendent said Monhagen Middle School will operate on a three-hour delay Thursday. Students will not be allowed to bring any Chromebooks, backpacks or large bags into the building.
Students will have to pass through metal detectors when entering the school, and the school will provide grab-and-go food upon arrival.