MERIDIAN, Idaho — One girl was injured and another is in custody after a stabbing at Crossroads Middle School in Meridian.
The incident happened just before noon Monday, on the first day back from Christmas break.
Meridian Police say one girl stabbed the other in the leg with a knife brought from her home. The injured girl was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but her injuries are not life-threatening.
In an email to parents, Principal Joe Palaia wrote that the students "were involved in an altercation involving a knife."
"The student involved has been apprehended, medical attention is being provided to those in need, and the school building is secure as we have implemented all of our safety protocols," he wrote. "We ask our Crossroads Middle School family to remain respectful during this challenging time and keep the student receiving medical attention in your thoughts."
The names of the students involved have not been released. The girl in custody will be charged with felony aggravated battery and misdemeanor possessing a weapon on school grounds, according to police.
Greg Chaney, an attorney representing the 11-year-old victim's family, wrote in an email that the stabbing was a "vicious, unprovoked attack" and blamed the school for failing to keep the girl safe.
"The girl is resting and recuperating at home at this hour," Chaney wrote. "The family is thankful injuries weren't worse and they appreciate the outpouring of prayers, encouragement, and support they've received in the community."
Crossroads Middle is part of the West Ada School District and is described as an alternative school for seventh- and eighth-graders who are struggling in a traditional learning environment.
From the school's website:
For some children, adapting to a larger school environment in 6th grade is simply overwhelming. Others may have certain personal issues that make school a greater challenge, thus needing more one-on-one attention from a teacher. Others may simply need more individualized instruction to spark their interest in learning. Therefore, the student body is comprised of the entire range of students from those who have previously struggled to those who are identified as gifted academically.
The incident remains under investigation by Meridian Police.
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