By: Richard L. Smith
A violent incident took place Monday afternoon at a special education school in Wayne when an 18-year-old student allegedly stabbed a 14-year-old classmate during a cafeteria dispute, police said.
According to a statement released by the Wayne Police Department, officers responded to the Lakeview Learning Center on Van Duyne Avenue at approximately 12:38 p.m. on May 19, following reports of a stabbing on school grounds.
Upon arrival, officers found the teenage victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest and bleeding heavily.
While some officers provided immediate medical assistance to the injured student, others located and arrested the suspected attacker in the lower level of the school.
Authorities also recovered the knife believed to have been used in the assault.
Emergency medical responders from Saint Joseph’s Health arrived quickly and assisted with treating the victim, who was later transported by the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad to Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson for surgery.
As of the time of the police statement, the victim remained in surgery.
Detectives from the Wayne Police Department launched a full investigation, interviewing witnesses and processing the scene.
School officials enacted emergency protocols, including sheltering students in place, while the investigation was underway.
Preliminary findings indicate that the stabbing stemmed from a verbal dispute between the two students during their lunch break in the school cafeteria.
Staff members reportedly intervened promptly to break up the fight.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Rayshawn Christian of Elizabeth, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon on School Property.
He was taken into custody on a complaint warrant and was awaiting transport to the Passaic County Jail Intake Hub.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding the victim’s condition or whether any further charges may be filed.