A student was in critical condition after a stabbing Thursday at Overton High School in Nashville, Tennessee, according to multiple media outlets.
The students, both male, were returning to the gym from a break when the suspect, believed to be a 15-year-old freshman, walked over to the victim and immediately began stabbing the 14-year-old student, according to news outlet WTVF.
The 14-year-old freshman was stabbed in the neck and jaw, WKRN reported. Teachers, staff and the school resource officer helped render aid before authorities and medics arrived, according to WKRN.
The suspect then exited the gym, walking down the hall as staff members yelled at him, WKRN reported. He gave his knife to a staff member and was taken into custody, the ABC affiliate reported.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said he didn’t know how many times the 14-year-old student was stabbed, WTVF, a CBS affiliate, reported. He was taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The suspect, who officials say used a type of folding blade knife, suffered minor injuries to his hand. He was transported to General Hospital, where he was treated and released. He was then taken to Metro Police Headquarters.
Drake said a motive remains unclear.
“As soon as this one child walked in, one walked across the gymnasium and almost immediately he was stabbed; so there had to be something ongoing before that moment, and we’re trying to sort out exactly what that was,” Drake said during a news conference.
Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle said she was thankful for a quick response by the resource officer. “Our hearts and prayers are with the students involved, and we do pray for a speedy recovery,” Battle said at the news conference.
“As soon as this one child walked in, one walked across the gymnasium and almost immediately he was stabbed; so there had to be something ongoing before that moment, and we're trying to sort out exactly what that was."
The school was placed on lockdown while emergency crews responded, but students now have been dismissed.
Additional security will be provided Friday at the school. Additional counselors also will help provide emotional support for students and staff, WTVF reported.
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