Attempted Murder Charge For Teen Who Stabbed Schoolmate In Fort Lee: Prosecutor

FORT LEE, NJ — A 16-year-old student at Fort Lee High School has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing a fellow student "multiple times" at school on Tuesday, prosecutors said.

The suspect — whose name is not being released because of his age — was arrested at school after the Tuesday morning stabbing, said the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

The suspect was charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, prosecutors said.

Stabbed In Neck, Back

Bergen County prosecutors said that just before 11 a.m., a police officer stationed at Fort Lee High School reported a stabbing. Police from Fort Lee and other towns headed to the school, which was placed on lockdown.

Police found that a male juvenile student had been stabbed in the bathroom with a knife. He was stabbed in the neck, abdomen, back, and arm, causing serious injuries, prosecutors said.

The victim was taken to the hospital in critical but serious condition.

"The investigation revealed that the suspect and the victim were in a school restroom and engaged in an altercation when the suspect stabbed the victim several times with a knife," prosecutors said.

The suspect was taken to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center to await a closed hearing in Bergen County Superior Court, Family Law Division, prosecutors said.

Police Give Statement

Police said late Tuesday night that the school would have an increased police presence on Wednesday.

They said, "Earlier today, the Fort Lee Police Department responded to a stabbing at Fort Lee High School, which was immediately placed into lockdown. Additionally, School No. 3 was placed into a shelter in place. Our assigned uniformed School Resource Officer ... along with the assistance of school staff, applied immediate first aid to the juvenile victim, who was soon after transported to an area hospital and survived."

The statement noted, "Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an extra police presence in and around the High School tomorrow, however there is no further threat that we are aware of at this time."

Other Students Involved?

As opposed to other media reports saying other students might be charged, the police noted, "No other suspects are being sought."

They added, "The safety and security of our schools, students, teachers and employees, are our most important priority. Ensuring a safe learning environment is paramount and detectives from our agency are continuing this investigation with the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, along with continued cooperation from the administration of the Fort Lee High School."

A student told on News 12 on Tuesday that as the victim was being stabbed in the bathroom, he yelled, "Help me!"

"Girls were crying," said the student. "Everybody was trying to help my friend. Security came and picked him up." A parent suggested that the school needs metal detectors.

Prosecutors are investigating the reasons for the incident, they said.

READ MORE: Student Stabbed 'Multiple Times' At Fort Lee High School