Suffolk police to add patrols at Sachem East High School after stabbing
A 15-year-old student is charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon after police say a 16-year-old student was stabbed during a fight in the school parking lot.
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A 15-year-old student has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a 16-year-old student during school dismissal at Sachem East High School in Farmingville.
Police say the incident happened in the school's parking lot during dismissal on Thursday.
The 16-year-old victim was seriously injured but is expected to recover.
According to police, the 15-year-old student is charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Suffolk police confirmed there will be additional patrols outside Sachem East High School Friday morning following the incident.
"My son witnessed this as he was trying to get to his bus," says Mila Herbert, a parent. "He called me. He was literally shaking. His words were stuttering. He was like, mom, I just witnessed somebody get stabbed."
"I was very surprised by it," says Francine Dupre, a parent. "I've had four children go through the school. And it's always been a safe environment."
When asked whether the district would consider adding metal detectors, a district spokesperson said there were no additional comments at this time.
Sachem Superintendent Patti Trombetta released the following statement:
"The Sachem Central School District can confirm that a student stabbing occurred at Sachem High School East this afternoon during dismissal time, requiring an immediate law enforcement response. As a result, a student was immediately transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. All our thoughts are with the student and his family at this very difficult time.
The Suffolk County Police Department has advised the district that an arrest has been made, that the physical campus is secure, and that the department is actively investigating the incident.
The health, safety, and welfare of our students remain our highest priority as a District. We understand the great concerns this incident may cause within the Sachem community. The District will proactively work with our own security team and the Suffolk County Police Department to address those concerns."
"Maybe we do need metal detectors," says Herbert. "For a child, for a kid to be able to bring a weapon to school, a knife. I mean, that's scary. School should be the safest place for my child."
The 15-year-old's attorney said at the teen's Friday arraignment that his client maintains his innocence. The prosecutor said the victim was stabbed in the upper chest with a kitchen knife.
The defendant is being held behind bars. No bail was set.
The judge's decision to keep the teen in jail outraged the boy's family. The 15-year-old's family members, including his mother, told News 12 that he's been bullied by the victim for months.
