NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A 14-year-old John Overton High School student was critically injured when he was stabbed by a fellow student.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the students were returning to the gym from a break when the victim walked up to the suspect, a 15-year-old, who then immediately stabbed the 14-year-old student.
Teachers and a school resource officer quickly gave aid to the victim who was critically injured. Chief Drake said he didn't know how many times the student was stabbed but that he suffered injuries to his jaw and neck. He was taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The suspect suffered minor injuries to his hand. Police say he walked out of the gym to a hallway where he was called out by a staff member. That's when he stopped and surrendered the folding blade knife. He was then taken to a different area of the school where responding Midtown Hills Precinct officers took him into custody.
He was transported to General Hospital where he was treated and released. He was then taken to Metro Police Headquarters and declined to be interviewed.
He was charged at Juvenile Court with attempted criminal homicide.
It's unclear what led up to the stabbing, but Chief Drake said they're working to determine the motive.
"As soon as this one child walked in, one walked across the gymnasium and almost immediately he was stabbed; so there had to be something ongoing before that moment and we're trying to sort out exactly what that was," Chief Drake said during a press conference.
"We're thankful for swift response at Overton and SRO for responding quickly and insuring no other students were impacted given the nature of this incident," Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle said during the press conference. "Our hearts and prayers are with the students involved and we do pray for a speedy recovery."
The school was placed on lockdown while emergency crews responded.
John Overton High School has been placed in lockdown due to an incident involving two students who have been injured and are receiving medical attention. Families of the students involved have been notified. Additional details will be provided as they become available.
— Metro Schools (@MetroSchools) April 22, 2021
Additional security will be at Overton Friday as well as additional counselors to provide emotional support for students and staff.
