Methuen High School Classes Dismissed After Stabbing

METHUEN (CBS) – Methuen High School was under lockdown and classes were later dismissed for the day following a stabbing on Monday. A 16-year-old boy was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder.

Police said a 15-year-old former student came to the high school looking to fight a 16-year-old enrolled student who is known to him.

The former student was likely let in through a side door by another student, Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara said.

A fight broke out between the two boys and the former student was stabbed twice in the torso. He was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

"The 16-year-old suspect is believed to have chased after another student while brandishing that same knife. That student was able to escape without having been harmed," said McNamara.

The suspect was stopped by a student and teacher who were able to tackle and held him down, according to McNamara.

He had minor bumps and bruises from the fight but was not stabbed. He was arrested after the incident and will be charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count of armed assault with intent to murder, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon on school grounds, and one count of assault by means of a dangerous weapon.

The former student will likely face trespassing charges.

Methuen High School was placed on lockdown after the fight, and classes were dismissed around 1:15 p.m.

"We heard an announcement from our principal saying we had to go into shelter and it was not a drill. His voice was shaking, so you could tell something definitely happened. But we didn't know what until we got our iPads and went on the news and saw there was a stabbing," one student said.

"It freaks me out. It's always been a fear. But I never thought a stabbing would happen at our school," another student added.

Many worried parents came to pick up their students at school.

One woman said she was unable to reach her son. "I called him so many times, I think there is no signal in there, he doesn't answer his phone," she said.

"Let's just hope they take precautions to prevent something like this from happening in the future," another parent said.

McNamara thanked the Methuen High School staff for their quick response, in particular, the nursing staff.

Police said they don't believe there is an ongoing threat to students, staff, or the community.

There's extensive video footage of the school that officers will be going through.

There will be an enhanced police presence at the school for the new few days.