A 10-year-old boy remained in the custody of mental health professionals Thursday after allegedly stabbing a 7-year-old girl with a kitchen knife on an elementary school campus in Mountain View, California.
Background
The violence erupted around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the play area of Benjamin Bubb Elementary School, according to the City of Mountain View. The victim had been participating in an after-school program at the time of the attack, authorities confirmed.
The child suffered three stab wounds to her shoulder. Mountain View Fire Department paramedics treated the young victim at the scene before releasing her into the care of her parents. The girl was alert and conscious following the assault, though her condition was not immediately disclosed.
The attack triggered an immediate lockdown of the campus as the suspect fled the area. Investigators were able to identify the boy using local residential surveillance footage, which captured images of the suspect in the neighborhood surrounding the school.
The Investigation
A Los Altos Police Department K-9 unit successfully tracked the child to his home, following a scent trail from the school grounds. Officers and the boy's guardian worked together to bring the child in without incident.
Due to his age and the nature of the event, Pacific Clinics, a provider for Santa Clara County's juvenile mental health services, took over custody. The boy did not attend Benjamin Bubb Elementary School and was not enrolled in the after-school program, according to ABC 7. His connection to the victim remains unclear.
The investigation is ongoing. Police have not yet released a motive for the attack, and no charges have been filed as of Thursday afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- The 7-year-old victim was participating in an after-school program when the attack occurred around 3:30 p.m.
- She suffered three stab wounds to her shoulder and was treated at the scene by Mountain View Fire Department paramedics
- The 10-year-old suspect was tracked to his home using residential surveillance footage and a Los Altos Police Department K-9 unit
- Pacific Clinics, the county's juvenile mental health services provider, has taken custody of the suspect
- The boy did not attend Benjamin Bubb Elementary School and was not enrolled in the after-school program
What's Next
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack as the investigation remains ongoing. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office will determine whether any criminal charges will be filed once the investigation concludes. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.