Toronto police say a suspect has been arrested after a student was stabbed inside of a North York high school on Tuesday.
Duty Insp. Michael Williams told reporters Tuesday afternoon that officers were called to George S. Henry Academy, located near Don Mills and York Mills roads, at 1:41 p.m.
“When our officers arrived on scene, they were met by staff who had already placed the school in a lockdown which is the exact right thing to do in this circumstance,” Williams said.
He said officers then reviewed video footage and determined that a stabbing had taken place; both the suspect and victim were confirmed to have fled the building.
Williams said the school was then placed in hold and secure as officers worked to gather evidence.
The victim, who was reportedly stabbed in the abdomen, made their own way to a local hospital and from there was taken to a trauma centre with serious injuries. Their family has been notified and is with them, Williams said.
Williams said the victim was talking to doctors and paramedics, which is “a very good thing.”
A update from Toronto police on Twitter at 5:45 p.m. said the victim was in stable condition in hospital. The update also said a suspect was located and arrested.
Williams said it’s believed both the victim and suspect are students.
“From what I’ve been told from the officers who are investigating right now, it does appear that these people know each other,” Williams said.
“It appears to be more of a targeted attack, not something random. It does appear that there was some kind of altercation and again that’s forming part of our investigation in figuring out exactly what took place and why and who these people are.”
Williams said the stabbing happened in a hallway and added that officers have obtained cellphone and security video.
“I’m sure there’s lots of parents out there that are concerned about the safety of their children at the school, but there are ample police officers on scene investigating. The school took all the necessary steps,” Williams said.
Further information about the victim wasn’t released, but Williams said both the suspect and victim are “high-school aged.”
Anyone with information on the incident is being asked to contact investigators.
The Toronto District School Board tweeted shortly after 4 p.m. that the hold and secure had been lifted and students were dismissed.
A social work team will be at the school on Wednesday.