Crime
Video Shows Student Stabbed During Altercation at West Potomac High School
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A violent altercation between students at West Potomac High School on Wednesday morning led to a 16-year-old being hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during a fight, according to Fairfax County Police.
The incident occurred around 9:40 a.m. in a hallway of the school, located off Quander Road in the Belle Haven area of Northern Virginia.
Police say a 15-year-old male student used a knife to stab the 16-year-old during a physical confrontation.
The victim was found on the ground with visible injuries and blood pooling on the floor, as captured in disturbing video footage that has circulated among students.
Images and videos from the scene, shared via social media, show several students involved in a physical altercation and bystanders standing near the injured teen as staff attempted to assist.
Medics responded promptly and transported the 16-year-old to a local hospital.
Authorities later confirmed that the victim’s condition had stabilized after initially being described as life-threatening.
At a press briefing, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis confirmed that the 15-year-old suspect will face malicious wounding charges.
A third student involved in the altercation is currently being questioned, though police do not anticipate filing charges against that individual at this time.
“This was an isolated incident,” Chief Davis stated, reassuring the public that there is no ongoing threat to the school community.
In response to the violence, West Potomac High School was placed under a “Stay Put, Stay Tuned” protocol, meaning that while the building was not in lockdown, students and staff were required to remain in place and no one was allowed to enter or exit the facility.
The directive prompted concern and frustration from parents, many of whom rushed to the school upon hearing of the incident but were unable to retrieve their children.
During an afternoon news conference, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid faced criticism from upset parents, some of whom questioned the district’s communication policies and the school’s restrictions on student cellphone use during emergencies.
School officials emphasized that the restriction on phones is intended to ensure students remain alert and responsive to staff instructions during crisis situations.
The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) released a statement via social media, reiterating that the incident had been contained and that updates would be shared as they became available.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, including what led up to the confrontation and how the weapon was brought into the school.
Authorities are also working closely with school administrators to review safety protocols moving forward.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.