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Attempted stabbing at Lynnwood middle school
An 11-year-old boy is accused in an attempted stabbing that happened at Alderwood Middle School in Lynnwood on Friday.
LYNNWOOD, Wash. - Deputies say an 11-year-old boy tried to stab a student at a Lynnwood middle school on Friday.
What we know:
It happened around 1:30 p.m. at Alderwood Middle School, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.
A teacher that witnessed the attempted stabbing intervened and prevented the student victim from being injured, deputies said.
The sheriff's office said the 11-year-old boy suspected in the crime initially ran from the scene, but was turned in by his parents on Sunday. He was booked into Denny Juvenile Justice Center for second-degree assault and possession of a weapon on school property.
The 11-year-old suspect formerly attended a school in the Edmonds School District, but has since changed districts.
What they're saying:
Edmonds School District officials say if it weren’t for the quick-thinking actions of a school staff member, things could have turned out much worse.
"This is so crazy," said Mike Vu, a neighbor.
Some neighbors, like Vu, were surprised that a child so young was accused of trying to stab a student at the school.
"That’s the sad part you know," said Vu. "It’s really sad that these things are happening to kids at that age, where they are not able to just really process what is going on, and as they are coming to do this and how it affects you know their life down the road or the other kid’s life".
"I’m not surprised, to be honest," said Makayla Burke, a different neighbor.
Burke’s family members watched an ambulance and nearly a dozen law enforcement units responded.
"I hope they can grow up and become mature or whatever and live their life," said Burke.
There is a statewide push to try to ramp up safety measures. A Washington school safety bill that incentives schools to install things like panic buttons and live video feeds to communicate with law enforcement in case of emergencies passed the state legislature last week.
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School safety bill passes WA legislature
A Washington bill that incentivizes schools to install things like panic buttons and live video feeds to communicate with law enforcement in case of emergencies passed last week in Olympia.
Vu says reports of youth violence are tough to swallow.
"It’s really sad, I mean, when it comes to something this young for kids," said Vu.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office says investigators were still looking for the 11- year-old boy as of Friday evening. If you have any information on the case, contact the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
Alderwood Middle School families received the following statement from Principal Christy Frary following the incident:
"Dear Alderwood Middle School Families,
"I want to inform you about a serious incident that occurred on our campus after school today.
"At approximately 1:30 pm, an 11-year-old male, a known former Edmonds School District student who now attends school in another school district, came onto our campus and attempted to stab one of our students. Thanks to the quick and courageous actions of a staff member who witnessed the incident and immediately intervened, no students were injured.
"The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department quickly arrived to assist and investigate the incident. The suspect fled the area on foot. The Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the situation. At this time, they have determined there is no active threat to students, staff, or the school. If you or your student have any information related to this incident, please call 911 to relay the information to law enforcement.
"We understand that incidents like this are deeply concerning, and we are grateful for the swift response by our staff and local law enforcement. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority."
According to the Edmonds School District website, Alderwood Middle School students are released at 1:20 p.m. on Fridays. This means the attempted stabbing possibly happened shortly after dismissal, and is likely why the school was not placed on lockdown.
The Source: Information in this story is from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and a statement from Alderwood Middle School Principal Christy Frary.
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