Teen stabbed on steps of Framingham High

Student, 15, arrested after fight over girl

FRAMINGHAM - A schoolyard scrap over a girl turned bloody yesterday when a 15-year-old allegedly stabbed another teenager at the front steps of Framingham High School, in a level of violence that is not typical of schools in this suburban community.

The 16-year-old victim, whose name was not released, was taken by a MedFlight helicopter to Boston Medical Center. Police said that he was stabbed just above the buttocks and that his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

The victim was among four students fighting after the dismissal of school at about 2:15 p.m. The 15-year-old, who was not part of that fight, walked up and stabbed the other teen, police Lieutenant Paul Shastany said.

He said the 15-year-old was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, disorderly conduct, and disturbing a school assembly. His 16-year-old brother, who was part of the original fight, was charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. Police did not release their names because they are juveniles.

The episode halted after-school activities yesterday, as students watched the helicopter pick up their wounded peer.

In January 2007, the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old student at the neighboring Lincoln-Sudbury High School caused a shock on its own. But in Framingham yesterday, many said they are used to seeing fights in the school of 2,100 students but not violence like this.

"There was a girl having a panic attack, screaming, 'I don't feel safe in this school anymore,' " said Cheryl Bergman, a junior at Framingham High. "One thing I kept hearing was, 'I can't believe this could happen here.' "

Yvon Louis, 17, said he saw the beginning of the fight and watched those involved roll down the steps of the high school as they brawled. They got back up and continued to fight, he said.

Then, he saw one student pull a knife and plunge it into one of the students involved in the brawl, before running off. The victim got off the ground and walked through the front entrance of the school and asked people for help.

"There was blood everywhere," said James Au, 16, a sophomore.

Several of the students identified the victim, but his name could not be independently confirmed last night.

Becky Cole, 16, a sophomore, said that she sits behind the victim in Spanish class and that he had said earlier in the day he was going to fight someone. Cole said he told her they had already fought in the morning.

Michael Welch, the school principal, sent an e-mail to parents last night assuring them that the issue was isolated and that the students involved have been suspended.

The school's faculty will meet at 6:15 this morning to discuss plans for the day, which will include a police presence in and outside of the building. Students will be allowed to enter the school through two entrances only. Counselors will be available throughout the day.

"We believe the school will be safe, students will be engaged in learning, and we expect a regular day," Welch said last night, noting he will still send his 3-year-old daughter to her preschool class at the high school.

Framingham High does not have metal detectors. The school does have a resource officer, who was first to arrive at the scene yesterday.

David Miles, vice chairman of the School Committee, said his wife had told him of the stabbing when picking up their 16-year-old daughter, a junior at the school.

"Hopefully, it's just an abnormal, one-time incident," he said.

Jonathan Saltzman of the Globe staff contributed to this story.