A Copper Hills High School student was hospitalized and underwent “several surgeries” after an apparent stabbing Thursday in the school’s parking lot, West Jordan police said.
Officers responded to the “physical altercation” involving three students just after 12:30 p.m, West Jordan police spokesperson Sgt. Kendall Holt said. One student was taken to a hospital in “serious condition.”
It’s unclear what circumstances led up to the apparent stabbing, and what was used as a weapon. Holt confirmed Friday that the hospitalized student suffered injuries “consistent with puncture wounds.” He said the student had been medically stabilized after going through “several surgeries.”
The two other students involved in the confrontation were taken into police custody.
“We do not believe there’s any outstanding threat to the community, outstanding threat here at the school,” Holt said Thursday afternoon.
The school immediately went into lockdown as police responded to the call, then transitioned to a “modified lockout” — where all exterior doors are locked — that lasted until 2:25 p.m., with students being released at a normal time.
Police are investigating the altercation as an aggravated assault, Holt said.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the district confirmed the assault involved a “small group of students,” and that counselors would be available for students and staff. Class resumed as normal Friday.
“We appreciate the quick response of West Jordan Police and Copper Hills High administration for following emergency protocol to secure the building during this serious incident,” district spokesperson Sandy Riesgraf wrote in a statement. “Student safety is our top priority.”
