Covington Middle School stabbing: Student hospitalized, another apprehended
AUSTIN, Texas - One student has been apprehended and another was hospitalized following a stabbing at an Austin ISD middle school in Southwest Austin.
Outside Covington Middle School on Thursday, a swarm of cop cars was quickly followed by a crowd of parents.
"Is my kiddo safe?" said Alyson Behrendt, a parent. "Are the rest of the kids safe? What’s going on?"
Many Austin ISD parents, like Behrendt, came to pick up their kids on Thursday morning.
"Before I knew that she was safe, it was just an instant, like survival mode," said Behrendt.
According to the district, on Thursday, Oct. 10, the incident began around 9:10 a.m. when Covington Middle School was evacuated because of an activated fire alarm due to a smoke bomb in the art wing.
"I was in band, and we thought it was a fire drill cause the alarms went off, then we got scared because usually they don't last that long," said Petra Young, a student.
Moments after the alarm went off, the district said there was an altercation where one student was stabbed.
Austin ISD police have not confirmed if the smoke bomb and the stabbing are related.
The student was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and police apprehended the other student involved.
"It was a very scary event for everybody," said Ivy Ningen, another student.
Ivy and Petra are still shaken up and worried about their classmate.
"I'm concerned for my friend," said Young.
The school reopened for the remainder of the day, but Behrendt said her child would be taking a long weekend.
"Just to kind of recover emotionally, but I do feel like they're doing everything they could possibly do," said Behrendt.
Families FOX 7 Austin spoke with, who knew the victim, said they believe the stabbing was random.
Principal Cedric Maddox says they are working directly with the families of the students involved in the altercation and counselors are working with the students who witnessed the incident and will be communicating with their families.
There will also be additional mental health professionals on campus to work with students and staff as needed, says Maddox.
AISD police said they're still investigating, and the art wing, where the incident happened, will remain closed for now.
Read the letters from Principal Cedric Maddox below:
Subject: Campus Evacuation and Student Altercation
Dear Covington Middle School Community,
At approximately 9:10 a.m. today, our school was evacuated because a fire alarm was activated in the art wing.
While this is an active investigation, our Austin ISD Police believe the alarm was activated by a smoke-bomb.
We are also aware of a student altercation that occurred within moments of the smoke alarm activation. At this time, it is unclear if the incidents are connected.
Officers have swept the campus and have determined it is safe for students to return to class.
The art wing will remain closed off while the investigation continues.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at cedric.maddox@austinisd.org. As always, thank you for your support of our Covington community.
Sincerely,
Principal Cedric Maddox
Covington Middle School
Second letter:
Subject: Update regarding today’s incident
Dear Covington Middle School community,
We want to provide an update as we gather more information regarding today’s incident. While today’s incident took a significant emotional toll on our school community, our campus is safe.
Officers apprehended the student involved and we can now confirm that a student was stabbed in the altercation. EMS quickly responded and transported the student to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. We are working directly with the families of the students involved. To protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of our students, I am unable to share additional information.
I recognize that it can feel unsettling to have so little information. I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority.
Counselors are working directly with the students who witnessed the incident and will be communicating with their families.
We have additional mental health professionals at our campus to work with students and staff as needed. Please contact our front office to be connected with our counseling team if you believe your child needs support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at cedric.maddox@austinisd.org. We are here to support you and your family during this time.
Thank you for your understanding and for your continued partnership in keeping our school community safe.
Sincerely,
Cedric Maddox
Covington Middle School