PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A teen who officials in Chester County say stabbed a student at Coatesville Area Senior High School Tuesday morning has been charged with attempted murder after turning himself in.
Oddell Cannon, 16, of Coatesville, surrendered to police Tuesday, was arraigned, and remanded to a juvenile detention center, Caln Township Police said.
The Chester County District Attorney's office said a witness told officers Cannon and the victim were fighting in a second floor bathroom over allegations Cannon stole a vape pen from the victim. That's when witnesses say the 16-year-old victim was stabbed multiple times. A bloody knife was recovered at the school.
The school district said the stabbing happened around 7:30 a.m. Officials say the injured student suffered from stab wounds to he neck, shoulder, armpit and lower back. He was taken to the hospital and is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office.
"My office will hold Oddell Cannon responsible for his actions to the fullest extent of the law. We will not tolerate school violence. It is our duty - and society's duty - to protest children, especially when they are in school," Deborah Ryan, Chester County District Attorney said in a statement.
Substitute Superintendent Dr. Rick Dunlap said the school was secured by police and other students were not in danger. Students were dismissed early Tuesday, following the incident.
Cannon has been charged as an adult with attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and other charges.
Dunlap added the district will communicate as it learns more about what happened, and will follow up with counseling for students and staff.
Investigators are asking for anyone with surveillance cameras near the school to take a look at their footage.