The violence broke out at the high school on Cypresswood at North Freeway at the beginning of the school day. A confrontation at 7:10am in the cafeteria area led to a fight with cutting instruments. The weapons used are still being investigated and haven't been found, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
A student inside the school at the time told Eyewitness News that everyone first knew something was wrong when nurses were called for over the loud speaker. The teen described the situation as chaotic and says students were 'freaking out.'
Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia says there are three persons of interest and they have all been taken into custody for questioning. There are no other suspects or persons of interest.
All victims and persons of interest were students at Spring ISD. The deceased victim has only been identified as being 17 years old. Two injured individuals were treated at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital. One of those victims was treated and released, and the other was said to be stable with minor injuries. His family requested his transfer to another hospital.
A third injured victim who was stabbed in the abdomen was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. He was listed in critical condition, but has since been upgraded to good condition. A representative for the family of the victim says that boy is fighting for his life, and asked for prayers for the teen, and the community.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic event. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and the students who have been impacted by this event. We sincerely thank our parents for their patience as we focus on keeping our students safe and protecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation," said Spring ISD Superintendent Ralph H. Draper.
He said grief counselors will be available on campus.
Sheriff Garcia admitted the stabbing could be gang related. The Sheriff's Office and the Spring Independent School District will provide additional security at the campus through the next few days.
The school was on lockdown all morning, as the campus was still considered an active crime scene investigation. Students were finally released between 12:15 and 12:30pm. Students exited the back of the building to be picked up at the stadium parking lot. Parents were instructed to get into their vehicles to pick up students. No one is allowed to walk on campus. Buses are running on normal routes.
According to Karen Garrison with Spring ISD Media Relations, classes have been cancelled at Spring High School for Thursday and Friday.
Sheriff Garcia asked members of the public with information about the violence to contact the Sheriff's Office (713-967-5810) or Crime Stoppers of Houston (713-222-8477). Anonymous tips in the form of emails, texts, photos and video can be sent through the free smart phone application iWatchHarrisCounty (more info at iWatchHarrisCounty.com).
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
