Student stabbed at Tennessee high school

photo Stabbing tile

GREENVILLE, Tenn. - An East Tennessee sheriff says a 17-year-old high school student is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly stabbing another student.

The Greeneville Sun and the Johnson City Press report Greene County Sheriff Steve Burns said the stabbing occurred Tuesday morning in the cafeteria of South Greene High School. Burns said the injured student, who 15, was taken to the hospital and his condition has stabilized.

Burns said a female student sitting at a cafeteria table saw what was happening, intervened and was able to stop the boy who had the knife. She and other students subdued the suspect as staff came to aid.

The sheriff didn't release a motive, but said it appeared to be isolated to the two students involved.

"I think this assault was directed at the victim," he said. "It wasn't directed at any other students."

Greene County Director of Schools Vicki Kirk said there were about 40 students and a few staff members in the cafeteria when the stabbing occurred.

"The stabbing happened in one side of the cafeteria," Kirk said. "And because it happened so quickly, it was most likely over before the other students even knew it."

The incident prompted officials to lock down the school while police responded. She said school officials acted quickly and appropriately to the situation.

"This is a very safe place, with a good culture," Kirk said. "This has been a shock, but it's also been a lesson."

Authorities have not released the names of those involved.

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