NORTH WALES, Pa. – A 13-year-old student at Pennbrook Middle School in North Wales is facing charges following what authorities are describing as an unprovoked attack on a 12-year-old classmate within the school cafeteria.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:15 in the afternoon, prompting school administrators to place the school on a “hold” as law enforcement and medical personnel responded to the scene to address the situation and provide assistance.
According to Upper Gwynedd Police, the 13-year-old student allegedly used a Stanley metal mug to assault the 12-year-old student, resulting in serious head injuries. The victim was subsequently hospitalized with visible bleeding seen in surveillance footage reviewed by FOX 29.
After the hold was lifted, the school day continued, but the injured student remained in the hospital in critical condition. In response to the incident, the middle school principal issued a letter to parents, initially labeling the altercation as a physical confrontation.
Subsequently, the district superintendent sent a follow-up email in the evening, indicating that the principal would convene with each grade level the following day to discuss the events witnessed by students. Additionally, school administrators made the counseling department and a trauma response team available for students in need of support.
Officials emphasized ongoing communication with the families of the students involved, as well as collaboration with law enforcement to gather more information and work towards resolution. A school board meeting was scheduled for the evening to address the situation further.
Parents of students at the school expressed shock and concern over the incident, with one mother describing the distressing text message she received from her child during the unsettling event. Another parent voiced frustration over previous complaints not being taken seriously, leading to the traumatic incident.
Overall, the community seeks answers and assurances from school authorities on how they plan to address safety concerns moving forward and ensure a similar incident does not occur again. The incident has left many parents questioning the school’s handling of such situations and the safety measures in place for their children’s well-being.