Boy charged after stabbing classmate at Boyle Heights elementary school

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Prosecutors filed charges Friday against an 11-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a fellow classmate at Bridge Street Elementary School in Boyle Heights with a pocket knife.

The juvenile was charged with one count each of attempted murder and bringing or possessing a weapon on school grounds, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a report of a stabbing at the school in the 600 block of N. Boyle Avenue around 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Students said the stabbing occurred near the school's handball courts.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Authorities said both the victims were fifth-grade students. What precipitated the attack remains under investigation, police said.

"It's just scary. You drop off your kids thinking they're safe, and you never know what can happen," parent Sandra Galvez said.

L.A. Unified School District Superintendent Michelle King said in a statement Friday that the entire LAUSD is saddened by the tragic incident.

"Student safety is paramount and remains our top priority," King said. "While the law enforcement investigation continues, the District is providing support for students and staff, including those who may have witnessed the incident."

King said the Safe School Plan will be included in the school's recovery process.

United Teachers Los Angeles president Alex Caputo-Pearl expressed his sincere sadness in a statement Friday.

"While the investigation continues, we send our thoughts to the victim's family as well as the entire school community -- the students, parents and educators who are affected by this. We know that educators will be there for their students to help shape understanding around this incident and provide a path for healing and resolution," Caputo-Pearl said.

Crisis counselors were on hand Friday to help students cope with the incident. The juvenile is expected to be arraigned at Eastlake Juvenile Court on Monday.

City News Service contributed to this report