Washington High School Stabbing Leaves Six Injured, Student Suspect Taken Into Custody

Six people were injured after a violent altercation at a Washington state high school on April 30, according to authorities. Several victims were stabbed during the incident, which took place at Foss High School in Tacoma.

Police said five of the injured are students, including the suspect, and one is a school security guard. Four people suffered injuries, while two others had non-life-threatening wounds. By the evening of April 30, all victims were reported to be in stable condition.

Emergency crew arrived at the school at about 1:38 p.m. after the violence was reported. The campus was quickly placed on lockdown as officers secured the area. Video from the scene also showed a heavy police presence outside the school.

“The school is secure, and we are currently investigating,” police spokesperson Shelbie Boyd said. She confirmed that the suspect, a student at the school, is now in custody. The suspect was also injured during the incident. Boyd said officers were able to locate the individual and secure the scene quickly.

Officials said the suspect has been booked on five counts of first-degree assault. Police have not yet shared what led to the altercation.

Students were dismissed safely later in the afternoon. The lockdown was lifted, and a reunification area was set up so parents could pick up their children.

Tacoma Public Schools said classes and after-school activities for April 30 have been cancelled, and the district plans to reopen the school on March 5, with counsellors available to support students and staff.

“We are grateful for the quick, calm action of our staff and our first responders,” the district said in a statement.

Officials said the investigation is still ongoing. “The incident is still under investigation, and discipline has not yet been determined,” the district said.

The school day ended under tight security, but no further injuries were reported after the initial incident. Authorities continue to gather details about what happened and why.

Parents and students have been urged to stay alert for updates as the case develops.

This is not the first time a crime has been reported at Foss High School. According to the BBC, in 2007, 17-year-old Samnang Kok was shot and killed in a hallway at the school. His killer, an 18-year-old, was convicted and imprisoned for 23 years.