5 Teens Charged After Stabbing At Annapolis High School

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Several police officers were called to Annapolis High School, 2700 Riva Road, for a fight Wednesday morning; one 17-year-old student was injured when he was stabbed in the arm and back, school officials said. Anne Arundel County Police say the fight was reported at 10:43 a.m. and five teens — including the suspected attacker and his victim — have been charged as juveniles.

Officers on the scene said one boy suffered what appeared to be a superficial puncture wound. Investigators said no weapons have been located. Five teens are believed to be involved in the fight and are being questioned by authorities.

The injured boy was taken to a local hospital for treatment of what appeared to be superficial wounds, police said. He was treated and released.

Principal Sue Chittim said in a letter to parents that the fight stemmed from a neighborhood dispute, and started in the cafeteria during Panther Hour. Other officers were called to the school as a precaution.

She urged parents to talk to their children about the fight. "Please reiterate to your child the need to help our school remain a place that is focused on instruction and where issues that begin outside the building are left there," Chittim said.

Starting Thursday, Panther Hour at the school has been canceled until further notice, Chittim said. Instead the building will return to a traditional third period with four lunches.

Authorities say four teens are believed to be involved in the fight; the youth suspected of stabbing a student had a small pocketknife in his possession. All of the suspects, including the victim, were arrested and charged on juvenile citations.

• 14-year-old male from Annapolis: second-degree assault, affray, and disruption of school activities
• stabbing suspect is a 15-year-old male from Annapolis: first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, possession of weapon with intent to injure, 2nd degree assault, affray, and disruption of school activities
• 15-year-old male from Annapolis: Second-degree assault, affray, and disruption of school activities
• 16-year-old male from Annapolis: Second-degree assault, affray, and disruption of school activities
• 17-year-old male from Annapolis (victim): Second-degree assault, affray, and disruption of school activities

The full text of Principal Sue Chittim's letter to parents:

November 8, 2017
Dear Parents and Guardians:
As you may be aware, police were called to our school this morning to assist in breaking up a fight. I am writing to provide you with updated information so that you can address this matter with your child in a manner you deem most appropriate.

At about 10:45 this morning, during Panther Hour, a fight broke out in the cafeteria. During the fight, one of the involved students pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed another in the arm. A few other students got involved; however, the school SRO quickly intervened and the issue was contained. As a precaution and to respond to possible injuries, additional police and emergency response was called to the school.

The fight stemmed from a neighborhood dispute.

Police arrested several students in relation to this morning’s incident, and one student was transported to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Along with police, we have spent the day investigating the incident. As a result of today’s events and information we have learned throughout the day, we have halted Panther Hour until further notice. Starting tomorrow, we will return to a traditional third period with four lunches.

In addition to any actions that may be forthcoming from police, we will take appropriate action in accordance with our Code of Student Conduct with regard to any student found to be involved.

I urge you to talk to your child and discuss this matter. Please reiterate to your child the need to help our school remain a place that is focused on instruction and where issues that begin outside the building are left there.

If you have information that may be of assistance to us, please call the school or police.

Thank you for everything you do for your child and Annapolis High School. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the school.

Sincerely,
Sue Chittim
Principal

Photo of Annapolis High School courtesy of the school website