PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — A teacher at Positive Education Program, a non-profit for children with severe mental health and behavioral challenges, was stabbed by a student Wednesday morning, according to the Parma Heights Police Department.
Around 10 a.m., officers responded to the Positive Education Program after receiving a call that a teacher had been stabbed by a student, police said.
The incident occurred during an instructional activity involving cutting vegetables. An 18-year-old student grabbed a knife and stabbed his 44-year-old teacher, according to police and the school.
Once on scene, officers attempted to take the 18-year-old into custody, but he resisted. Officers used a taser to detain the teen so he could be placed under arrest. He was not injured, police said.
The teacher was transported to MetroHealth Hospital where she is believed to be in stable condition, according to police.
Police said the 18-year-old is in custody but charges have not been filed at this time.
The case is currently being reviewed by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, according to police.
Positive Education Program issued the following statement regarding the incident:
During an instructional activity involving cutting vegetables at PEP Phoenix in Parma Heights, a student impulsively grabbed a knife and stabbed a staff member. Staff followed all crisis protocols and quickly detained the student. The police were notified, the student was arrested, and the student will not be returning to this school. The staff member received first aid and was quickly transported to a hospital, received treatment and is recovering. Positive Education Program’s crisis team immediately responded to the school to assess the needs of staff and students and provided immediate support and counseling, which is ongoing. As always, the safety of our students and our staff continues to be our top priority.
