‘Remain vigilant’: Henrico Police and school officials respond to school-student stabbing, parents and students are left worried

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Henrico Police and school officials put out a joint statement on Facebook Wednesday evening in response to a stabbing on school grounds sending two teen boys to the hospital leaving one with life-threatening injuries. Student fighting for his life after stabbing at Henrico High School during ‘serious altercation’ "For the people of Henrico, there is no greater priority than protecting our children. Today’s stabbing of a Henrico High School student is troubling for our entire community. As your school superintendent and chief of police, we want you to know how seriously we take this matter and our shared commitment to keeping you and your family safe. "Working together, school staff, police, the School Board and County leaders have taken many steps to address matters of school security and community safety, yet today is a sad reminder that there is always work to be done. Although this was an isolated incident, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant: If you see or hear something concerning, report it to the police or a trusted adult. At the same time, we will continue to work tirelessly to find solutions and resources that keep our students — and the incredible adults who teach and support them — safe and sound. "Finally, we want to thank principal Karin Castillo-Rose, the school staff and Henrico County’s first responders, who reacted quickly to provide care and ensure the safety of others in the building. We also want to acknowledge and thank the Henrico High School students, staff members and families who remained flexible and understanding throughout a tremendously difficult day." Amy Cashwell, Superintendent of Henrico County Public Schools & Eric D. English, Chief of Police at Henrico County Police 8News spoke with a sophomore of the high school who called the situation frustrating. “We should never have to like, put her hands on each other for like even for like dumb reasons, legitimate reasons, or whatever, which is just like talk it out and like chill," said Kai Woodards of Henrico County. "It’s a serious thing and you never know who’s gonna be nice or when it's going to happen — like it could be a day when you’re just about to get out of school and then somebody stabs you.”  Woodard's mother Victoria Woodard, and an alumna of Henrico High School was relieved to know her son was okay as she was able to get in contact with him. However, Woodard explained the feeling wasn't the same for other parents who's children did not have access to their phone. "They're worried because they don't know if that's their son that was taken in the ambulance because they haven't heard anything other than the school notification," Woodard said at the time of the lockdown. Woodards' expressed she hopes students can practice self-control when conflicts arrive and is calling on parents to have a greater access into the lives of their children. "Really take the time to focus on what what's going on with your kid's social life? Not just their grades, but their social life," she said. "What type of friends are they making? What are their friends doing? You know, it's not always about grades. It's about the community that they're building." This continues to remain a developing story. Stick with 8News for updates.