TACOMA, Wash. – A serious incident occurred at Foss High School in Tacoma on Thursday, where a student was arrested after a stabbing that left multiple people injured. The police reported that the suspect, who is also a student at the school, was charged with five counts of first-degree assault after four other students and a security guard were hurt during the altercation.
According to Chelsea Shepherd, a spokesperson for the Tacoma Fire Department, five individuals were taken to local hospitals. Out of these, four were in critical condition, while one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, by late afternoon, all victims were reported to be in stable condition.
The incident began around 1:38 p.m., prompting the school to go into lockdown. Students were safely dismissed by 2:45 p.m., as confirmed by Tacoma Public Schools. The police stated that all the injured parties were either stabbed or cut during the event, and the suspect was also among those who sustained injuries.
Shelbie Boyd, a spokesperson for the Tacoma Police Department, assured the community that the school was secure and that an investigation was underway. A reunification area was established at the school for parents to safely pick up their children after the incident.
In light of the events, all school and after-school activities for Friday have been canceled. However, Foss High School is set to reopen on Monday, with counselors available on-site to provide support to students and staff. The district expressed gratitude for the swift response from school staff and first responders during this challenging situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in schools and the ongoing need for community support and awareness regarding youth violence. If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of distress or needs someone to talk to, please reach out to a trusted adult or mental health professional.
