WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A 12-year-old girl has been charged after using a knife to threaten another student at a Woodbridge middle school.
It happened around 9:30 a.m. at Lake Ridge Middle School. A school resource officer was called after the girl came into a classroom and threatened another student, brandishing a knife and holding it to the student's throat, according to police. A teacher quickly intervened and was able to get knife away from the girl. The teacher sustained multiple cuts to his hand and the student victim reported minor injuries.
An investigation found that another 12-year-old girl brought the knife to school and gave it to the girl who threatened the student in class. Police say both 12-year-old girls were arrested in this incident.
In a letter to parents, Principal James Dutrow said students who were in the classroom at the time were moved to a different classroom and counselors were providing support for students who were "understandably upset." Students in the classroom were given the option to leave for the day, according to the letter.
In a separate letter to other Lake Ridge families not directly involved, Dutrow reminded parents and students of the school's Say Something program, which allows anonymous tips to be submitted regarding any safety concern at any time.
"As always, it is our commitment to keep our students, staff, and families as safe as possible at all times at Lake Ridge Middle School," Dutrow said in the letter.