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Multiple students attacked with stun gun at Thomas Jefferson High

Posted at 12:26 PM, Apr 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-19 12:39:29-04

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond Police confirmed students were attacked Monday morning at Thomas Jefferson High School in the Near West End. Police confirmed that the student attacker actually used a stun gun and that it was reported that at least three other students were involved in the altercation. Two days later,  police said that the  juvenile was charged with simple assault and possession of a stun gun on school property.

The student hit with a stun gun said the weapon was smuggled past the metal detectors at the school entry because the detectors weren’t being monitored at that time. Richmond Public Schools later confirmed that the incident is under investigation and that a security review is underway, and that disciplinary action will be taken.

One of the victims, who was on her way to the hospital for an examination, said a female student made threats on Facebook, Sunday night.

Richmond Police responded to Thomas Jefferson High School Monday morning, over an alleged attack

The victim, who was interviewed along with her guardian, claimed the student made a statement on social media along the lines of “I’m going out in a big way.”

She said she was then attacked from behind on Monday morning.

“I just turned around and she just started tasing me out of nowhere. She tased me and three other of my friends a lot of times. It felt like I got shocked by lightning,” said the student who did not want to be identified.

The shock from the stun gun she said forced her to the ground.

“I got a bump on my head cause I fell, and I got a cut on my thumb,” said the victim.

Her sister and legal guardian learned of the incident from a relative.

“We was trying to figure out why no one called us to let me know my sister had got tased,” said the victim’s legal guardian.

The RPS statement noted that their security office is reviewing current safety procedures at the school to ensure that this remains an isolated incident.

"Based upon preliminary findings of the investigation, immediate steps are being taken to resolve a breakdown in compliance with the school division's standard operating procedures for safety and security and appropriate personnel action is being taken in accordance with the school division's human resources policies," said Kenita D. Bowers, Communications Director with RPS.  "As always, the safety of our students is a top priority and all students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior as outlined in the Richmond Public Schools Student Code of Responsible Ethics (S.C.O.R.E.) Handbook."

“Do you feel safe in school?” CBS 6 reporter Laura French asked the victim. “Nope, nope them is some dangerous people in there. They always threatening me and stuff on social media,” she responded.

“She can’t even go to school and be safe it supposed to be a safe place,” said the victim’s guardian."

The victim is home from the hospital and is suffering from a headache, neck and back pain.

This is a developing story. Witnesses can send news tips, photos, or video here.

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