A 17-year-old teen faces five charges, including attempted murder, after he turned himself into police in connection with a stabbing near a Toronto high school.
The incident occurred at George S. Henry Academy, located at 200 Graydon Hall Dr., near Highway 401 and the Don Valley Parkway.
Officers and paramedics were called to the school at 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Officials have been told that the stabbing happened on school property, but also that it may have happened across the street, Toronto Police Unit Commander Neil Corrigan said.
Students who witnessed the incident say they saw the suspect stab the victim twice during the lunch hour.
Investigators say the victim, who is also 17, made his way back into the school and asked for help.
The suspect, who is also a student at George S. Henry Academy, surrendered to police at approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Police say he is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.
Police say the victim was conscious and breathing when he was found. It is believed that he was stabbed in the chest.
The victim is being treated in hospital and is in serious condition, but is expected to survive.
Officials at the Toronto District School Board said the victim is a student at the school, and his parents have been notified.
The school was under lockdown as officers searched the school for signs of the suspect, but the lockdown has since ended.
Rene Gordon Health and Wellness Academy, located near the scene of the stabbing, was in a hold-and-secure at the time, but has also reopened.
This is the second stabbing a Toronto school this month. On Sept. 8, a 19-year-old student at was injured during stabbing at the Central Tech high school, located near the intersection of Bathurst and Bloor streets. The suspects were taken into custody in connection with the incident.
School board officials say students should alert school of any possible threats to prevent these kinds of incidents.
“We would hope that our students feel comfortable to come forward and talk to our staff,” said Toronto District School Board spokesperson Ryan Bird. “We want to know about if they have concerns for their own safety (or) about someone else’s safety.”
Corrigan said police are reviewing surveillance footage recorded at the school, and will be canvassing neighbouring homes for witness accounts.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800 222-8477 (TIPS).
