Teen Hospitalized After Stabbing at West Potomac High School; 15-Year-Old Suspect in Custody
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – April 23, 2025 — A disturbing scene unfolded Wednesday morning at West Potomac High School in Fairfax County after a violent altercation between students escalated into a stabbing, leaving a 16-year-old boy hospitalized and a 15-year-old suspect in custody.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), officers responded to the high school shortly after 9:40 a.m. following reports of a fight on campus. When they arrived, they discovered that one of the students had suffered a stab wound during the altercation.
Emergency medical teams rushed the injured teen to the hospital, where he was initially reported to be in life-threatening condition. In a welcome update issued around Noon, police confirmed that the victim’s condition had been downgraded to stable, offering a small measure of relief to his family and the shaken school community.
Suspect Arrested, Knife Recovered
Authorities say the stabbing occurred during a fight involving three students. During the confrontation, a 15-year-old male allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the 16-year-old victim. The third student involved in the fight has not been charged, and police are still piecing together what led to the violence.
The 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody at the scene and will be charged with malicious wounding, a felony under Virginia law. The knife used in the attack has been recovered by investigators.
The Fairfax County Police Department emphasized that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to students or staff. Nonetheless, the situation has left many parents and students unnerved.
School District and Police Respond
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) released a statement acknowledging the incident and stating that additional security measures and counseling services would be provided at West Potomac High School for the remainder of the week.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” said the district in its statement. “We are grateful to our school resource officers and emergency responders for their swift action, and we will continue working with law enforcement as this investigation unfolds.”
Meanwhile, FCPD spokesperson Sgt. Jason Clark addressed reporters outside the school, stating:
“We understand how frightening this incident is for students, parents, and staff. We want to assure the community that we are conducting a full and thorough investigation and that the suspect is no longer a danger.”
Community Reaction and Growing Concern
The stabbing has sparked widespread concern among parents and local officials about school safety and youth violence, prompting calls for increased preventative measures and intervention programs.
“It’s terrifying to think your child could be injured—or worse—at a place where they should feel safe,” said Maya Ellison, a parent of a West Potomac student. “We need to be asking hard questions about why our kids are resorting to violence and what supports are missing.”
Several local school board members and community leaders have called for a review of campus security protocols, mental health resources, and conflict resolution programs within the district.
Ongoing Investigation
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Juvenile Bureau is leading the investigation. They are working closely with school officials, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to gain a clearer understanding of what prompted the fight and how the situation escalated so quickly.
The identity of both the victim and the suspect has not been released due to their ages.
Authorities urge any students or witnesses who may have information about the incident to come forward and speak with school administrators or law enforcement. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the emotional toll of the incident. West Potomac High School Principal Dr. Jennifer Westfall assured families that safety remains paramount and that the school is committed to healing and prevention moving forward.
“This has been an incredibly difficult day,” she said in a message to parents. “But we will support one another, and we will take steps to ensure that our students feel safe and cared for.”
More updates will be provided as new information emerges.