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18-Year-Old Charged With Assault In Mount Vernon High School Stabbing

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - An 18-year-old man is set to be arraigned after stabbing a Mount Vernon student in the back on Wednesday.

Omowale James, 18, has been charged with second-degree assault for his role in a stabbing at Mount Vernon High School Wednesday.

Omowale James, 18, has been charged with second-degree assault for his role in a stabbing at Mount Vernon High School Wednesday.

Photo Credit: MVPD
A student was treated for a stab wound after an incident at Mount Vernon High School.

A student was treated for a stab wound after an incident at Mount Vernon High School.

Photo Credit: File

According to police, Omowale James will be charged for his role in a bloody fight that sent both he and his 19-year-old victim to the hospital with stab wounds.

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, there was an altercation at the Mount Vernon High School that spilled out to one of the entrances. One student suffered a stab wound in his back during the altercation, while James - who attends an alternative high school in the city - suffered a wound of his own - that may have been self inflicted.

James’ victim was treated by school officials before he was transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for treatment on non-life threatening injuries. James was ultimately tracked down at Montefiore Hospital in New Rochelle, where he was arrested at approximately 3:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Thomas offered his support for the victim and said that there will be an increased precautionary police presence and grief counselors available throughout the district in the coming days.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim, his family and his loved ones. We're hopeful for his swift and full recovery, and Mount Vernon is prepared to support the school district in every way," he stated. "We must work harder for our youth. It's a bad idea to use violence to settle your differences. You've got to find an alternative method.

"Seek a mentor, seek some kind of mitigation and know that the city of Mount Vernon is available to help deescalate the situation."

According to a report, James punctured his victim's kidney during the stabbing before fleeing on foot. He was later reportedly seen on surveillance video stabbing himself before being apprehended. 

As a precaution, the school district was placed into its lockdown protocol for several hours on Wednesday and a security officer was assigned to each bus - which is standard procedure - during dismissal. The Mount Vernon Police Department has also increased patrols on campus following the incident.

James was charged with second-degree assault, and bail was set at $10,000 bond or $2,500 cash. He is due back in court on Tuesday, Dec. 12. 

The motive behind the fight remains unclear. Keep following Daily Voice for more information as it becomes available. 

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