Irvine Police detain suspect following assault at Woodbridge High School

A Woodbridge High student was arrested Wednesday after allegedly assaulting another student on campus. Shortly after 12:30 p.m., a ninth-grade student entered the Woodbridge High office with a stab wound, according to school officials. The suspect, another ninth-grader, fled the campus but was apprehended by police about 40 minutes later. The victim was transferred to a local hospital with an injury that is serious but not considered life-threatening.

“Our No. 1 priority is the safety and well-being of Woodbridge students and staff, and this is obviously a very frightening and troubling occurrence,” Principal Christopher Krebs said in an email to parents and community members. “We are working closely with the Irvine Police Department, which immediately dispatched a number of officers to Woodbridge and its surrounding neighborhoods, and we applaud the efforts that led to such a quick arrest.” Police believe the assault stemmed from an argument over a cell phone -- and that the incident does not pose an ongoing danger to students. Additional counselors will be dispatched to Woodbridge this week, and more will be on call as needed. These professionals, including counselors, guidance assistants and psychologists, will be available to anyone in need of support. Krebs also encouraged parents to talk to their children at home and to seek out additional counseling services if necessary, either through their school or an outside provider. As always, anyone who has information about a crime or who observes suspicious activity -- particularly near a school -- should contact the Irvine Police Department immediately.