Student, 16, stabbed outside Sachem High School East; police patrol area
Suffolk County police at Sachem High School East in Farmingville, where a 16-year-old student was stabbed Thursday. Credit: Newsday/James Carbone
One day after a 16-year-old student was hospitalized in serious condition after being stabbed in the parking lot of Sachem High School East, Suffolk County Police have announced patrol officers will be providing increased presence at the Farmingville campus on Friday.
The teen male victim was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital in what police described as "serious but non-life-threatening condition."
A 15-year-old boy, also a student at the school, was in custody. He was charged with first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Police said he is scheduled to appear as a juvenile offender in First District Court in Central Islip Friday.
Police had responded to an emergency call at the school at about 2 p.m. Thursday, during dismissal, according to police and a district official.
"All our thoughts are with the student and his family at this very difficult time," Superintendent Patti Trombetta said in a statement. She assured families that the campus was safe and the district would continuing working with its security team and with police.
"The health, safety, and welfare of our students remain our highest priority as a District. We understand the great concerns this incident may cause within the Sachem community," Trombetta said.
Outside the school Thursday afternoon, at least a half dozen officers and police officials were stationed behind yellow crime tape. Nearby, a chain-link fence was adorned with red solo cups that spelled out "SENIOR27."
The school's Granny Road entrance was staffed by a sole security guard Thursday, who declined to speak to Newsday.
When reached by phone Thursday, Patricia McNeill, the president of the PTSA, declined to comment.
Newsday's John Valenti contributed to this story.
