South Point Elementary School Principal Bill Christian is recovering in serious condition after being allegedly stabbed by a parent on school grounds. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office reports that the incident took place on Thursday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and a school lockdown.
Key Points:
- Principal Bill Christian was stabbed on Thursday at South Point Elementary by parent Joshua Collins, reportedly over a child custody issue.
- Collins was apprehended quickly by a South Point police officer and will face multiple charges, including attempted murder.
- South Point Elementary was placed on lockdown during the incident, and no students were harmed. The school is closed on Friday as the investigation continues.
Who Is Joshua Collins?
According to officials, the suspect, identified as 43-year-old Joshua Collins of Huntington, was taken into custody by a South Point police officer. The altercation reportedly began when Collins, upset over a child custody dispute, arrived at the school and encountered Principal Christian in the hallway just outside the front office. During their conversation, Collins allegedly pulled a knife and attacked the principal, stabbing him in the neck and upper torso. Christian managed to escape into the office and locked the door; however, Collins shattered the window to gain entry, chasing the principal through the office and into the cafeteria, where he was confronted and apprehended by law enforcement.
The school nurse provided immediate medical care to Principal Christian before emergency responders arrived, and he was then transported to the hospital for further treatment. Collins, who sustained cuts to his arms during the incident, also received medical care and will be transported to the Lawrence County Jail. Authorities have confirmed that Collins will face charges of attempted murder and felonious assault, with additional charges pending.
In response to the attack, the school was placed on lockdown, ensuring that all students were kept safe. No children were injured during the incident. South Point Elementary will remain closed on Friday as the community processes the event and law enforcement conducts its investigation.