Police say they have referred a juvenile on charges after she stabbed her classmate, leaving her in critical condition, at Zion-Benton Township High School in Zion Friday morning.
The Zion Police Department and Zion Fire-Rescue Department responded around 8:50 a.m. Friday to Zion-Benton Township High School, 3901 21st Street in Zion, for a report of a stabbing.
Zion Deputy Police Chief Christopher Sweeting said an incident between two students led to one being stabbed.
Officers rendered aid to the victim until paramedics arrived and took over care.
The 17-year-old female victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with critical injuries, Sweeting said.
The school resource officer at District 126 was able to obtain critical offender information.
The suspect, a 17-year-old girl, fled following the stabbing but was quickly arrested off campus.
She was taken into custody without incident and was cooperative, Sweeting said.
Zion Police Department Lt. Paul Kehrli said Monday that the suspect, whose identity has not been released because she is a minor, was referred to the juvenile justice system on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which is a Class 3 felony.
Kehrli said it is ultimately up to the state’s attorney’s office on what charges will be filed. The department did not have an update on court proceedings.
The suspect has been transported to the Robert W. Depke Juvenile Complex Center in Vernon Hills for secure detention, Kehrli said.
Kehrli said he could not disclose further on what led to the stabbing due to juveniles being involved but it was not a random incident.
Zion-Benton School District 126 said in a statement that the incident on campus was “isolated” and the school was placed on “Code Yellow” out of an abundance of caution.
“At this time, there is no immediate threat to students or staff. Administration and safety personnel are actively monitoring the situation and following established safety protocols,” the district said after the incident.
“The District is coordinating with law enforcement and appropriate safety authorities and is following all established safety protocols. Updates will be shared as appropriate. Thank you for your cooperation and continued focus on student safety,” the district added.