AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- First responders were called to a reported stabbing incident at Covington Middle School in southwest Austin Thursday morning.
School officials confirmed that the altercation involved two students and that one had been stabbed. The suspect was apprehended by law enforcement on campus; the victim sustained injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to a nearby hospital.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 9:07 a.m. at the campus, located at 3700 Convict Hill Road. Officials are also investigating a fire alarm that was triggered at the campus at the same time, in the school's art wing. District police believe that alarm was triggered by a smoke bomb.
Covington Middle School Principal Cedric Maddox stated that it was unclear if the stabbing and the smoke bomb incident were connected.
"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," Maddox wrote in a letter to parents. "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."
After a thorough sweep of the campus, students were allowed to return to their classes, except for those in the art wing, which remained closed pending further investigation.
