12-year-old student charged after using razor blade to cut classmate

INDIANAPOLIS - A 12-year-old girl now faces felony charges in Marion County after reportedly cutting a fellow student with a razor blade during class.

Razor blade cut

The incident happened last Thursday at Southport's Sixth Grade Academy when a female juvenile student cut a classmate on his wrist and forearm. Photos showed the 12-year-old boy suffered a gash that required stitches:

• 

The boy's mother said the girl brought the razor blade to school to cut a child's dreadlocks, something the school district later disputed. She told FOX59/CBS4 that she believed the girl had malicious intent.




Perry Township Schools confirmed an incident involving a razor blade occurred at school on Thursday. In its statement, the district said it didn't believe the girl had any malicious intent.




While initially the female student was released to her parents, she has now been criminally charged.

Criminal charges

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced on Monday that the 12-year-old female juvenile has been criminally charged with two Level 6 felonies:

• Criminal Recklessness





• Possession of a Knife on School Property Resulting in Bodily Injury.

The case was reportedly filed in Juvenile Court per Indiana statutes. Mears' office did not provide any further comment regarding the case.

Perry Township Schools

The charges filed are the result of an investigation by the prosecutor's office and Perry Township Schools police, who initially handled the incident.




In a statement acknowledging the incident on Thursday, school officials said safety remains a top priority. Here is their full statement:




"This morning, a student brought a razor blade to school and another student was cut with it on the forearm. The victim immediately received attention from staff and was released to their parents who took the student to get medical attention.




While the student may not have brought the razor blade with malicious intent, actions have consequences in our schools and potential legal consequences when someone is injured. Perry Township Schools Police are involved and sent a report of the incident to Marion County Prosecutor's Office.




While we cannot disclose specific details about the students involved, please be assured that any actions that jeopardize the safety of our students and staff will be handled with the utmost seriousness in accordance with our Student Success Handbook. We ask that you speak with your child about the importance of following school rules and checking their belongings to ensure they are not unintentionally bringing prohibited items to school.




Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing this message. Tips can be reported to our See Something Say Something tipline at 317-789-3905 or on our website, PerrySchools.org. We appreciate your cooperation."




- Perry Township Schools




Perry Township Schools is currently facing a lawsuit accusing the district of fostering an "atmosphere of violence" after an attack on a 15-year-old special education student who required plastic surgery due to the extent of his injuries. That lawsuit is pending.




A second lawsuit has also been filed on behalf of a 12-year-old special needs student at Rosa Parks Elementary School. The suit claims the student was also a repeat victim of bullying and would come home with marks and bruises on his body.




The alleged culture of violence at Perry Township Schools has not just affected students, but educators too.




Within the last year, two teachers were attacked by students at Perry Meridian High School including a 75-year-old substitute teacher who was bashed in the face with a laptop.




Issues within Perry Township Schools stem beyond violence as well. Earlier this year, an 18-year-old was arrested at Perry Meridian High School after marijuana and a semi-automatic rifle were found on campus.





via: https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/12-year-old-student-charged-after-using-razor-blade-to-cut-classmate/