Officials with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office revealed new details in the stabbing incident that occurred at Walton Middle School on Tuesday morning.
In a news conference, Sheriff Michael Adkinson said the suspect who is a seventh grade student was dropped off around 7:17 a.m. Tuesday. He said the school was not open at the time and the incident occurred during early drop-off.
Shortly after he arrived, Adkinson said the suspect went into the bathroom and put on a mask that concealed his face, except for his eyes.
The suspect reportedly attacked the first person he saw as he came out of the bathroom and stabbed the student several times. The victim, who is also a seventh grader, ran away. The suspect then went down the hall and attacked a paraprofessional.
After attacking the paraprofessional, Adkinson said the suspect then attacked another student, who is also a seventh grader. The suspect then fled the scene but didn’t get far.
The suspect was found a block away from campus about seven minutes later and he is now in custody.
The two students were critically injured in the attack. One student was life-flighted to Pensacola, and the other was taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical.
Adkinson said around 40 students were in the school at the time of all three attacks which he said lasted no more than 45 seconds.
The paraprofessional was also taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical, but did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
Adkinson didn’t address the suspect’s motive or specify the exact weapon he used in the attacks.
The charges the suspect faces have not been determined and will be decided by the State Attorney’s office.
Deputies said there is no risk to the public, and Walton County Superintendent Russell Hughes said school is expected to continue through the week.
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Source: mypanhandle
