One adult was hospitalized and another was taken into police custody following a stabbing incident outside South Hills Elementary School in Fort Worth on Thursday morning, according to Fort Worth police and school officials.
The altercation occurred during a 5th-grade graduation event at the school at 3009 Bilglade Road on the city’s southwest side, per NBC 5 DFW.
Fort Worth police and firefighters responded to a stabbing call at the school shortly after 11:30 a.m., city records show. The incident involved two fathers who, according to police, had a history of verbal altercations. During an argument behind the school, one man stabbed the other in the upper body with a knife and then fled the scene on foot, police said.
The victim was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, according to MedStar ambulance service. The suspect was apprehended a few blocks from the campus after witnesses provided a description to police.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, though Fort Worth police noted that charges may change as the investigation continues.
South Hills Elementary School Principal Melissa Russell emailed parents to inform them that students were immediately brought inside “out of an abundance of caution,” and the campus was temporarily placed on hold. All students and staff were reported safe.
“We want to assure you that Fort Worth ISD maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violence on our campuses and will pursue the full extent of the law to ensure consequences are enforced,” the statement read.
The school, which serves students from pre-K through 5th grade, encouraged parents to check their students out early, as Thursday marked the last day of the school year for Fort Worth ISD.
Fort Worth ISD is providing counseling for students and staff affected by the incident.
Police blocked off a parking lot along Cockrell Avenue outside the school, where a blood-stained shirt was visible on the ground, NBC 5 reported.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather details about the altercation and its events.