Teen Faces Charges After Stabbing, Fight At High School

By Woo-Sung Shim, the Lake & McHenry County Scanner

An 18-year-old student was charged after he allegedly stabbed another student during a fight at Zion-Benton Township High School on Monday.

Joseph Braggs, 18, of Zion, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.

The Zion Police Department and Zion Fire Rescue Department responded to Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 West 21st Street in Zion, around 10:30 a.m. Monday.

Zion Police Department Lt. Christopher Sweeting said in a statement that officers were contacted by school staff for a fight that resulted in a stabbing.

Staff had already identified the involved parties and had them in their care upon officers’ arrival, Sweeting said.

Officers made contact with Braggs, who was one of the students involved in the fight, and took him into custody.

A 15-year-old student suffered a stab wound and was transported by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where they are expected to recover.

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No additional suspects are being sought, Sweeting said.

Braggs appeared in bond court today and was ordered held on a $75,000 bond. He was turned over to the Lake County Jail.

In an email to parents on Monday, school officials said they were working with authorities and parents “as the safety and well-being of students remains our top priority.”

Police say the incident is still under investigation and additional charges may be filed.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.