Small black knife used in Thursday incident, students knew each other
By Sam Catanzaro
More details have emerged about a fight that broke out at Santa Monica High School last week that sent a student to the hospital with lacerations after being slashed with a knife.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on Thursday around 12:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Santa Monica High School campus for a fight involving multiple students.
“Upon arrival, officers located one student with a facial laceration he suffered during the fight. The student was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. The primary suspect in the incident, a juvenile student, was last seen running off campus and was ultimately taken into custody by SMPD,” said SMPD Lt. Rudy Flores in an email.
The weapon used, a small black knife, remains outstanding.
Santa Monica High School stayed open, and students continued attending classes while SMPD personnel remained on campus investigating the incident. The victim has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home.
In the wake of the fight, Santa Monica High School Principal Marae Cruce shared an update with parents, staff and students addressing the incident.
“Two students were involved in an altercation, and a sharp object, believed to be a small knife, was used, causing lacerations to both students involved in the incident. This was an isolated incident between two students who know each other,” Cruce said. “We appreciate the quick response by the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments in caring for the medical needs, detaining the suspect and interviewing witnesses. Samohi and SMPD are working together to further investigate this incident. “
Cruce added that the two students knew each other, describing the incident as isolated.
“This was an isolated incident between two students who know each other,” Cruce said. “We are unable to share specific discipline outcomes of any student, due to privacy laws.”
In addition, according to Cruce, the District has upgraded security measures in the wake of the incident.
“The District has upgraded security systems on campus, including cameras, upgraded digital locks on classroom doors and they have modernized intrusion, fire and emergency alarm systems. Campus security received training on incident response prior to the start of this school year,” Cruce said. “Students will attend grade level meetings over the next few weeks outlining our code of conduct and behavior expectations. We ask all parents to remind their student that our code of conduct must be followed or students will face disciplinary action and consequences.”
