Police: Central California Teen Stabbed At School By Fellow Student

ATWATER, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities say a 16-year-old Central California high school student was stabbed in the back by another student in the campus cafeteria early Wednesday.

The Merced Sun-Star reports that the victim is a special needs student at Atwater High School.

A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the stabbing.

Lt. Samuel Joseph says investigators believe the violence may be gang-related and possible retaliation for a previous incident. Joseph stressed the investigation is in its early stages and detectives are still developing information, the newspaper reported.

The student was stabbed in the back four or five times and also injured his hand. Police say his wounds appeared superficial and are not believed to be life threatening. He was flown to a hospital for treatment. Police recovered the knife that was used. The student's names were not released.