A shocking incident occurred at a Cabell County elementary school, leading to the arrest and arraignment of a local man. Joshua Collins, a 43-year-old Huntington resident, was charged with violently assaulting the principal of South Point Elementary School, Bill Christian.
The incident transpired on a Thursday, with Collins reportedly agitated over a child custody dispute. He allegedly attacked Christian in a hallway near the school’s main office. According to authorities, Collins stabbed the principal in the neck and upper torso after a brief verbal altercation.
Christian managed to retreat to the office, locking the door behind him in an attempt to evade Collins. However, Collins escalated the situation by breaking the glass window to continue his pursuit. The confrontation eventually moved to the school cafeteria, where a South Point police officer intervened and apprehended Collins.
Collins sustained injuries to his arms during the violent encounter and was treated at a Huntington hospital. Following his discharge from the hospital, he was taken into custody at the Western Regional Jail on Thursday evening.
The incident triggered a lockdown at the school to ensure the safety of the students. Thankfully, no students were harmed during the incident. The school remained closed on Friday as the community grappled with the aftermath.
Principal Christian received immediate medical attention from the school nurse before being transported to the hospital. He is currently in a stable but serious condition.
Collins now faces upcoming legal proceedings, including a potential extradition to Lawrence County, Ohio, where he faces additional charges. These charges are related to previously filed cases of stalking and menacing in Lawrence County.
The attack has left the community in shock, raising concerns about school safety and the impact of personal disputes within educational environments.