Update from Essex County District Attorney Office (4:50 p.m.) A 13-year old male was arraigned this afternoon in Salem Juvenile Court on charges related to a stabbing at the Rockport Middle School this morning. At Judge Kathryn Phelan-Brown’s direction, no further information will be released at this time.
ROCKPORT — Chief John Horvath reports that the Rockport Police Department arrested a Rockport Middle School student after he allegedly stabbed a fellow student before the start of the school day Monday.
Rockport Police responded to the Rockport Middle School, located at 26 Jerdens Lane, at 7:30 a.m. for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, first responders found a juvenile female student suffering from an apparent stab wound.
The Rockport Police Department School Resource Officer was in the building at the time and responded immediately.
The assailant had reportedly fled after the incident. The school was immediately placed into lock-down mode, and police began a search. The suspect was soon located outside of the school and placed into custody.
The suspect, a 13-YEAR-OLD MALE FROM ROCKPORT has been arrested and will face numerous charges.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are considered serious but not believed to be life-threatening.
Once the suspect was placed in custody, police and the superintendent of schools determined that it was safe to lift the lock-down and allow the school day to continue. The lock-down was lifted at 9 a.m.
There will be an increased police presence at the middle school throughout the day, but Chief Horvath stresses that there is no danger to the school community. Superintendent Robert Liebow, in a letter to school families, stated that parents and guardians have the right to dismiss their students if they feel the need.
The incident remains under investigation by the Rockport Police Department.
The juvenile suspect will be arraigned at Salem Juvenile Court.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
