Off-campus stabbing triggers Alto ISD lockdown; student arrested
BY LELAND ACKER

What began as a verbal conflict between two Alto High School students escalated into a stabbing over the weekend, which led to Alto High School being locked down on Monday. Alto Police Chief Charles Barron said one juvenile was stabbed by another on Rusk St. near the water tower in Alto at approximately 7 p.m. Sunday.

"Apparently, this may have started Friday, or even Wednesday at the school. It culminated (in Sunday's stabbing)," Chief Barron said, noting that the cause of the conflict is still under investigation.

The events of Sunday evening spilled over onto campus Monday when Chief Barron advised Dr. Ray DeSpain, Alto ISD superintendent, of the weekend stabbing.

"He apprised me of the altercation on Sunday evening," Dr. DeSpain said. "The student that did the attack did not come to school."

When school started, the Alto High School faculty was made aware of the altercation. As of Monday morning, Principal Donald Patton told the Cherokeean Herald that the campus had "implemented heightened security procedures," which entailed informing the staff and making sure all duty stations were manned.

On Monday morning, Mr. Patton told the Cherokeean Herald that the school was not at "lockdown" status.

Throughout the day, Dr. DeSpain said Chief Barron processed the paperwork to apprehend the alleged attacker. When the paperwork was finished and law enforcement was poised to apprehend the suspect, Dr. DeSpain said the lockdown was ordered due to the proximity of the suspect's house to the campus.

"I guess I'm guilty of being very cautious and very safe," Dr. DeSpain said, adding, "At no time were any students or staff members in danger."

The suspect was apprehended at his home shortly after 2 p.m. Monday. He was given a magistrate warning by Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Teresa Phifer, then transferred to the juvenile detention facility in Palestine, Chief Barron said.

The victim was interviewed by Chief Barron Monday morning, then returned to school Monday afternoon, Chief Barron said.

Rumors and misinformation surrounded the event and Dr. DeSpain dispelled some of those.

Dr. DeSpain said the suspect was not apprehended in the woods near the campus with a gun. He also dispelled the rumor that the victim was in critical condition.

Chief Barron said the victim was released from the hospital Sunday evening.

Dr. DeSpain expressed his thanks to Chief Barron and the Alto Police Department, as well as the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department. He said at Alto ISD, safety is their number one priority.