East Providence High School increases security after student wounded in stabbing

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — East Providence High School will increase security Friday after a student was seriously hurt in stabbing.

“Although we believe there is no further threat to the school community, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at East Providence High School tomorrow and during the upcoming school days,” police said in a social media post.

Police said a 16-year-old student was stabbed by a 17-year-old classmate in the bathroom. The 17-year-old was shortly taken into custody.

The stabbing was believed to have escalated from a days-long argument over a vape.

The victim was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where he is considered stable.

Concerned parents stayed outside the school for hours, waiting to pick up their children after they went into lockdown. Authorities said it was an isolated incident and there is no threat to student safety.

The school will offer resources for concerned students and staff following the incident.

The stabbing is under investigation by school officials and East Providence police.