Statement of Woburn Officials Regarding Middle School Incident
Mayor Scott D. Galvin
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]
Statement of Woburn Officials Regarding Middle School Incident
WOBURN — Mayor Scott Galvin, Police Chief Robert Rufo and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Crowley are jointly releasing the following statement to the public:
“This morning, at approximately 7:50 a.m., administrators at the Kennedy Middle School were informed of a dispute and fight between two students that further escalated when one student slashed another student with a knife he had allegedly concealed.
“The Woburn Police Department School Resource Officer was on scene within minutes, and the alleged assailant, an 11-year-old male student, was quickly identified and placed in custody and a small knife was seized. The Woburn Fire Department attended to the victim, a 12-year-old male student, who was taken to a local hospital with superficial injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
“Due to the fact that this incident involves juveniles, there are certain things we cannot discuss under the law, but we have determined that this incident was not a random act and it appears to be an isolated incident. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed in Shelter in Place mode during the initial investigation, but the school has returned to its normal schedule at this time.
“The safety, security and well-being of the students and all members of the school community is our first priority. We have determined that there is no further danger to the school.
“We wish to thank the police officers and firefighters/paramedics who arrived so quickly and acted so professionally this morning. The City of Woburn, Woburn Public Schools, and Woburn Police Department has a number of policies and procedures in place in the event of a violent act at school, and we are proud that these procedures were followed.
“The alleged assailant will face discipline from the school district and may face charges at Lowell Juvenile Court as the police investigation is ongoing.
“We wish to thank our community members for their patience and partnership this morning.”
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