On December 13th, a serious incident occurred at Monhagen Middle School in Middletown, part of the Town of Wallkill. Following an early morning lockdown at the school, which serves about 800 students across grades 6, 7, and 8, a distressing situation unfolded.
The Town of Wallkill Police Department responded to a report of an assault at the school shortly after 7:30 am. Upon arrival, they discovered a 13-year-old victim, an 8th grader, suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was initially treated at Garnet Health Medical Center and then transferred to Westchester Medical Center for further medical care. Fortunately, the victim was listed in stable condition.
In response to this incident, a 13-year-old student was arrested and charged. The investigation, involving Town of Wallkill Detectives, City of Middletown Police, and New York State Police, led to the apprehension and charging of the young suspect. The Orange County Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case. The identities of both the victim and the defendant have not been disclosed.
This incident caused significant concern and disruption at Monhagen Middle School. The school was placed in lockdown as a precautionary measure. Updates were shared throughout the day, including the early dismissal of students. Parents and guardians were informed that they would not be permitted on the school campus until after the dismissal was completed.
The Middletown Enlarged City School District’s Board of Education issued a statement reflecting on the gravity of the incident. They emphasized the importance of the safety, well-being, and sense of belonging of all school community members. The statement acknowledged the distress caused by the incident and asserted the unacceptability of school violence, highlighting a commitment to standing together in support of one another.