School authorities and law enforcement are continuing to investigate how a pocket knife was able to bypass security measures and enter Parkdale High School, following a violent incident that left one student critically injured.
Prince George’s County Police reported that a student remains in critical but stable condition after being stabbed by another student inside the school on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland, during a busy transition period as students were heading to their second-period classes.
Investigators stated that a 14-year-old male student allegedly carried out the stabbing in a school hallway using a pocket knife. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident and is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder. Authorities confirmed that the student is being held at the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center.
The stabbing prompted an immediate schoolwide lockdown, creating a scene of panic and confusion as students sought safety. Parkdale High School senior Jefte Torres described witnessing sudden disorder in the hallways as students began running in different directions. At first, he said, there was uncertainty about what had happened, with only rumors circulating among students.
The seriousness of the situation became clear when school security announced over the intercom that the lockdown was not a drill. Torres explained that hearing confirmation that the situation was real caused fear and anxiety among students and staff. Teachers responded quickly, locking classroom doors and pulling down curtains to secure students inside.
Torres said he remained in a locked classroom, unsure of the details but aware that something serious had taken place. Despite the chaos, he noted that his teacher acted immediately to protect students without hesitation.
Police later confirmed that the injured student was transported to a nearby hospital, where they remained in critical but stable condition as of Tuesday evening. School officials acknowledged that a pocket knife was used in the attack, raising concerns about school security. Although the building is equipped with metal detectors, administrators are now reviewing surveillance footage to determine how the weapon entered the school undetected.
Torres expressed shock at the incident, stating that he had never previously felt unsafe at Parkdale High School and hoped the stabbing was an isolated event. He described the experience as unsettling, emphasizing that during such moments, students can do little more than remain locked down and wait for instructions.
After authorities lifted the lockdown, classes resumed, though many students chose to leave campus. Parents were seen arriving throughout the day to pick up their children. Police have not yet released information regarding a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
