Knife Fight At Oakland Mills High School, 2 Charged: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — Two teen girls have been charged in an assault involving knives at Oakland Mills High School Tuesday morning that injured two staff members who tried to break it up, officials said. None of the injuries was serious, according to police.

Officers were called to the school in the 9400 block of Kilimanjaro Road for a report of a fight in the cafeteria at 7:15 a.m. Two freshmen girls had been arguing when one allegedly cut the other with a folding knife, police said.

When two staff members tried to break up the fight, they sustained minor injuries, according to authorities. Medical personnel responded and evaluated them at the scene, police reported.

Both girls were found to have been in possession of folding knives, according to officials. Each was charged with possession of a deadly weapon on school property. One girl was also charged with assault and disrupting school activities, police said.

The students will be subject to disciplinary action as well.

"Please know that we will continue to reinforce our expectations for a safe and caring environment for all students," Oakland Mills High School Principal Kathy Orlando said in a message to families on Tuesday morning. She noted that the school put its emergency plan into effect as soon as the fight broke out, clearing the hallways and ensuring students were safely in classrooms.

A Message from Principal Orlando on Nov. 14

Dear Oakland Mills High School families,

I wanted to make you aware that a physical altercation involving a knife between two students occurred inside the building prior to the start of the school day this morning. Two staff members sustained injuries while breaking up the incident and are receiving care.

To ensure the safety of our students, we immediately initiated our school emergency plan. Staff cleared the hallways and got students into their first period classes. The Howard County Police Department and Fire and Rescue Services responded and provided support.

Parents of the students involved in the incident have been notified. Disciplinary action will be administered in accordance with the Howard County Public School System Student Code of Conduct and Policy 9200 – Student Discipline.

Please know that we will continue to reinforce our expectations for a safe and caring environment for all students.
Thank you,
Kathy Orlando, Principal

Image via Google streetview.