Lynn charter school student accused of stabbing staff member "multiple times"
LYNN - A student at a Lynn charter school stabbed a staff member "several times" Monday morning, according to police.
The staff member, who was not identified, is expected to survive. The suspect, 18-year-old Larnel Jean Eustache of Chelsea, is in police custody.
Lynn Police were called to KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate on Wheeler Street just before 9:45 a.m. and found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. Police said the staff member was rushed to the hospital with what they described as "non-life-threatening injuries."
"It was scary, especially because students did see what happened," student Adrien Caraballo said.
School placed into "secure and hold status"
Witnesses told WBZ the attack happened in a common area on the fourth floor of the building.
KIPP Academy said the school was placed into a "secure and hold status in order to maintain the safety of all, and families were immediately notified."
"I was scared because I didn't know if the student was still in the building or not for a while. He could've hurt other students," Carballo said.
There's no word yet on a motive. Police said Eustache left school after the stabbing, but officers later found him and took him into custody.
"The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority," Executive Director of KIPP Massachusetts Nikki Barnes said in a statement. "Our focus at this time is on supporting our community; we are mobilizing counseling and additional support services for students, faculty, and staff today and will continue to provide these supports in the days ahead."
"I was surprised and shocked that really happened. I didn't expect it from this school, that's some of the reason why I came here because I thought it was going to be a safe place," student Jason Che said.
Student charged
Students say that Eustache has been in trouble at the school before.
"I just feel let down by the system and how they would let that dude in there with a weapon on him," Che said.
Eustache is now facing several charges, including assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.
There is no other information about the incident at this point in the investigation.
