A 16-year-old student at Fort Lee High School in New Jersey faces attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a 15-year-old classmate multiple times during a bathroom altercation that reportedly began as a prank.
Quick Takes
- A 16-year-old was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a 15-year-old classmate multiple times at Fort Lee High School in New Jersey
- The victim suffered wounds to the neck, back, arm, and chest but is expected to survive despite being in critical condition
- The incident reportedly began as a prank between students that escalated to violence in a school bathroom
- Parents expressed concerns about the lack of metal detectors at the school following the incident
- The school implemented lockdown procedures until 2 p.m., with increased police presence following the incident
Violent Bathroom Altercation Leads to Multiple Stab Wounds
The attack occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday inside a bathroom at Fort Lee High School, where what allegedly began as a prank between two students quickly escalated into violence. The 16-year-old suspect allegedly stabbed the 15-year-old victim multiple times, inflicting wounds to the neck, back, arm, and chest. First responders and school security found the victim bleeding outside the restroom. The injured student was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition, though medical officials expect him to survive his injuries.
According to some reports, another student may have participated in the attack by holding down the victim while the stabbing took place, though authorities have not confirmed this detail. The suspect was apprehended at the scene by police officers who responded to the emergency. Prosecutors quickly announced serious charges against the teenage suspect, including first-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons possession charges. He is currently being held at the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center awaiting a closed hearing.
School Security Measures Questioned
The violent incident prompted immediate security protocols, with the school placed under lockdown until approximately 2 p.m. Local authorities closed surrounding roads, and family members were advised to stay away from the school building during the emergency response. Students were eventually dismissed early with a heavy police presence guiding them out of the facility. The Fort Lee Police Department has stated they will maintain increased presence at the school as a precautionary measure in the coming days.
The incident has sparked serious concerns among parents about security measures at the school. Many parents expressed frustration about the lack of metal detectors that might have prevented a weapon from being brought onto school property. The stabbing also disrupted normal school activities, including SAT exams that were scheduled for the following day, leaving many families uncertain about how these academic requirements would be addressed in the aftermath of the violence.
Student Witnesses and Ongoing Investigation
Fellow students who witnessed the aftermath of the stabbing provided accounts of the terrifying scene. One student, Angel Serrano Lugo, described what he had heard about how the incident started: “What I heard was one of the kids pulled the other kid’s pants down and the kid got mad…and it led to an altercation in the bathroom, that’s what I heard from my friend.” Lugo further recounted the victim’s desperate plea for help, stating, “He said they stabbed me, please help me, help me.” – Source
School officials have made counselors available to students and staff who may need support processing the traumatic event. The investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the stabbing continues, with authorities working to determine all factors that led to the violent outburst. Law enforcement has not released additional details about the weapon used in the attack or whether there were previous conflicts between the students involved. The case will proceed through the juvenile justice system, with prosecutors indicating the seriousness of the charges reflects the gravity of the attack.
Sources:
- 16-year-old allegedly stabbed classmate multiple times at NJ’s Fort Lee High School
- 16-year-old charged after stabbing fellow student multiple times in school bathroom, police say
