Stabbing at Ringgold High School football stadium injures 1; suspect in custody
A 19-year-old man was airlifted to a Pittsburgh hospital after being stabbed at Ringgold's Joe Montana Stadium in Carroll Township, Washington County, on Sunday afternoon.
First responders were alerted to a reported stabbing around 1:35 p.m., according to a Washington County 911 supervisor. The incident took place during a Class AA Division III football game between the Washington Little Prexies and the Ringgold Rams.
Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich released a statement on Sunday afternoon, saying it took place at a "non-school sponsored youth football game within the stadium at Ringgold High School."
"While this incident occurred on a weekend and outside of school hours, it did occur on District property. Therefore, we are working in full cooperation with authorities," Superintendent Skrinjorich said. "Our thoughts are with all who have been affected. We are committed to ensuring that our community is safe within our schools and will continue to collaborate with officials during this active investigation."
Daron Carpenter, 17, is accused of stabbing a family member. He was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon.
"I've never heard of a story like this, where in a little league game I go to where someone gets stabbed, and that's ridiculous," said Zack Weaver, whose son plays youth football. "I feel safe at my games, but the fans are crazy, so you never know what the fans could do."
"If you go to one of these, D1, D2, or D3 games, you might see one security officer, maybe two. There should be more security. There should be security at the gate inside; there should be about five security guards, I think," Weaver added.
The investigation remains ongoing.
District cancels classes on Monday
Ringgold School District has canceled all classes for Monday, according to the district's transportation director. Transportation will be running for all other schools.
"While there will be no formal classes, school buildings will remain open, and counseling services will be available for any student who may need support during this time," Superintendent Skrinjorich said in a follow-up statement on Sunday night. "After careful consideration, we believe this is the least disruptive and most supportive option for our students and staff at this time."
Parent in the stands reacts to stabbing
Some parents in the Ringgold School District say they're still on edge after the stabbing at the school's football stadium during a youth football game.
In youth sports, Robert Fetty said anybody can bring anything to these games.
"We have yet to walk through a metal detector, yet to have a bag checked, yet to have our stroller checked," said Fetty.
As a parent and soccer coach in Ringgold, he's questioning their safety.
"No police at my events, there's no ambulance ready, so you can only imagine what might be able to happen in front of my kids at one of our games," said Fetty.
One of the first parents to witness the stabbing, who didn't want to go on camera, recounted her experience.
"Next thing I know, there's these three guys that are fighting, punching each other."
However, she can't forget yelling and that she saw a knife.
"As I was saying that, the victim was falling onto the ground," she said.
The affidavit said the only Ringgold school police officer at the stadium ran to the victim, while a fire chief was already helping at the victim's side.
"He did not look good. He was saying, 'I don't want to die,'" the witness said. "I threw down my baby's blanket, and they were using that to put pressure on his wound."
While several tended to the victim, the criminal complaint said police later found Carpenter at the concession stand, and officers later recovered a four-inch blade with blood on it.
"Four games into the season already, and my children have been exposed to drugs and now violence," said Fetty.
According to the affidavit, a witness told police the victim is his brother and the suspect is his cousin, and the suspect and victim had a "falling out."
"We have to do better as parents to not bring this kind of drama to these events," said Fetty.
Now, Fetty is questioning the community and whether the youth football game in Ringgold this Sunday should even happen.
At last update, Carpenter is being held at the Washington County Jail, unable to post $50,000 bail.