An after-school brawl between four students from Lehman campus in the Bronx escalated into a stabbing on Sept. 9 during the second week of school.  Lehman campus has six schools, including Bronx River High School.

Crowds of students on their way home from school gathered to watch the fight between students near the Popeyes on Westchester Square around 4 p.m. The injured students from Pelham Lab High School and Lehman High School were transported to Jacobi Hospital in non-critical condition: According to reports, one boy was slashed on the back, another was stabbed in the shoulder and two were stabbed on their hands.

The New York city police, school safety, agents and campus officials are working together on the investigation.  As of Sept. 12, no charges had been filed.  In the meantime, police and safety agents have stepped up their presence on the campus and around the Westchester Square area.

Safety agents offered advice to students as they left the building the following day. “Get home safely everyone and stay out of trouble,” said a safety agent.” Anything could happen so make sure to be aware of the things around you.”

Jayden Sanchez, a Bronx River High School senior, plans to be more cautious.  “The altercation makes me a little nervous to walk around in and outside of school because you may never know what could happen and who it could happen to,’’ he said. “It makes me have to really be aware of my surroundings more than before.”

“I don’t feel as safe as I did during my first year of high school because the longer I’m here, the crazier things I see and hear,’’ he added. “Some people don’t care about themselves or others,  which does make it a bit scary. Although this did happen, I still feel a little safe because of the police and security guards we have around.”

Tene Kelly, an assistant principal, offered advice.  “Go straight to school in the morning and straight home after dismissal to avoid unneeded drama,” she said. “You can also join an after-school club if it’s a worry about school dismissal.’’

She notes that BRHS students can seek support when faced with potential conflicts.  “I’m very proud of Bronx River because our students have the ability and trust in us to speak about problems; students can talk to a teacher or trusted adult in the building and let them handle it.”

This story was originally published on Bronx River News on September 12, 2024.