TUJUNGA — Two students were hospitalized Monday following a stabbing incident at a Los Angeles-area high school.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga around 1:55 p.m. and found two students stabbed in an open area of the school, CBS News reports. One of the victims, a 17-year-old boy, was stabbed in the head and back and is in serious condition. The other student suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Verdugo Hills High School Principal Arturo Barcenas said the campus went into lockdown at 2:08 p.m. The order was later lifted at 3:50 p.m. LAPD said it’s unclear what led to the attack and that the motive remains under investigation. Detectives confirmed the weapon used in the attack was a knife.
According to the LA Times, LAPD Public Information Officer Tony Im said as many as four people were involved in the attack against the students. Police detained one person at the scene but said they are still looking for four male suspects last seen fleeing the school in a white Toyota Corolla.
One parent said she is not surprised by the incident.
“I don’t believe the staff is taking the safety measures to keep our kids safe. The security measures they have in placed obviously are not working because this type of incident continues to happen and they are happening more often than not,” said Marlene Melendez. “It could have been my son. He had an incident with the same kids so therefore obviously it’s going to be a big problem. It scares me to death and that’s why I’m speaking with you guys today because I want to be heard.”
School officials said they will provide mental health support for students and the LAPD will increase its on-campus presence for the rest of the week.
“We will continue partnering with law enforcement agencies including Los Angeles School Police, community-based organizations, local municipalities and mental health professionals to ensure all students receive extensive care and protection,” Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho wrote in a statement Monday.
