A press release from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department reported that a man was apprehended for allegedly stabbing the principal at South Point Elementary School on Thursday.
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- Law enforcement arrested a man for allegedly stabbing the principal at South Point Elementary School on Thursday
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- Officials say no children were harmed during the situation
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- The press release from law enforcement alleges that Joshua Lee Collins, 43, stabbed Principal William Christian in the neck and torso
- Both men were taken to the hospital
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- Law enforcement arrested a man for allegedly stabbing the principal at South Point Elementary School on Thursday
-
-
-
- Officials say no children were harmed during the situation
-
-
-
- The press release from law enforcement alleges that Joshua Lee Collins, 43, stabbed Principal William Christian in the neck and torso
-
-
- Both men were taken to the hospital
The authorities have apprehended the suspect, who is identified as Joshua Lee Collins, a 43-year-old resident of Huntington, West Virginia.
At approximately 1:41 p.m., the sheriff’s office received a call reporting that Principal William Christian had been stabbed by a student’s parent. The caller also stated that the assailant was still present within the building.
Within a minute, a police officer arrived at the scene and apprehended the suspect.
The school swiftly implemented a lockdown as the situation unfolded, ensuring the safety of all the children involved. Fortunately, no harm came to any of the students during this incident.
According to the release, Mr. Christian sought refuge in the office, locking the door behind him. However, Collins forcefully entered by breaking the glass window on the door. He then proceeded to chase Mr. Christian throughout various sections of the office until they reached the cafeteria area. It was at this point that the South Point Officer intervened and apprehended Collins.
Christian received medical treatment from the school nurse and Lawrence County EMS prior to being transported to the hospital.
According to the release, Collins was taken to the hospital as he had cuts on his arms, which were possibly caused by breaking a glass window.
Collins was arrested by police from Huntington, West Virginia on a warrant for felonious assault.
Collins will undergo an extradition hearing before being brought back to Lawrence County to face charges, according to the release. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges will be filed against Collins.
South Point Local Schools Superintendent Chris Mathes expressed his pride in the swift and commendable response of students and staff in a recent Facebook post.
“Our utmost concern will always be the safety of our students,” Mathes expressed. “May our community consistently provide support to our students, teachers, and staff members. I will provide updates as soon as I am able to share more information.”
The district made an announcement stating that schools would be closed on Friday.