A student was injured after being battered and stabbed during a fight in a bathroom at Waukegan High School’s Washington Campus, school officials said.
Waukegan High School Lead Principal Timothy Bryner said that an altercation between two students escalated to one student stabbing the other with a sharp object around 12 p.m. Thursday.
The Washington Campus, which is located at 1011 Washington Street, was placed on soft lockdown. The incident remains under investigation by the school and the Waukegan Police Department.
“Unfortunately, we can not provide any further details regarding the students involved or the ongoing investigation, as those facts remain fluid,” Bryner said.
Two ambulances were called to the school. The extent of the student’s injuries are unknown.
A brief video posted on Facebook by Faviola Gutierrez showed the fight along with blood covering the ground of the bathroom floor.
School officials do not believe the fight is related to a threatening message that was discovered in a restroom earlier this week.
“Our staff is just as shocked and saddened by this incident as I am sure you are. We know these types of incidents can be stressful and worrisome for students and parents, as accurate information is limited, but please know that the safety of our students and staff is always a top priority,” Bryner said.
“Our school employs several enhanced safety measures beyond what is considered standard school security, including metal detectors and x-ray machines, which students and their belongings pass through prior to entering the building. With that said, we are constantly reevaluating and refining our procedures to ensure the safest school environment,” Bryner said.
School officials said that the campus will enhance safety measures this week.
“We want to thank parents for their patience and understanding, and wish to thank students for their cooperation and maturity during that we know was a stressful situation. If you feel your child would benefit from speaking with one of our mental health professionals, please know they will be available tomorrow,” Bryner said.
The Waukegan Police Department was not available for comment on the incident Thursday afternoon.