A former student of Switzer Learning Center, a private school in Torrance, California, specializing in educating neurodivergent students from kindergarten to 12th grade, is in custody after allegedly stabbing three staff members and planting two bombs near the school premises on Monday morning, as per the Torrance Police Department.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended after attempting to stab a fourth staff member and fleeing the scene. During the arrest, the ex-student informed the police about two pipe bombs he had planted in the vicinity of the school, located at 208th Street and Amapola Avenue.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department bomb squad was promptly dispatched to the scene. They discovered two devices, which were identified as incendiary. The devices were safely detonated on site by the officials, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Residents had been previously warned to steer clear of the immediate area, which was later declared safe.
Two of the staff members who were stabbed were transported to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The third staff member received treatment at the scene, according to authorities.
Details about the suspect or the motive behind the attack remain unclear. The suspect is currently in police custody.
Cristina Morales, a 54-year-old mother of an 18-year-old autistic student at the school, shared her experience with the LA Times. She had been waiting for her son to be released from the school when she received a call from her daughter about the incident. Morales’ son had been in the cafeteria, close to the main office, when he heard a commotion and saw someone being attacked. He then led seven other students to hide in a storage room, barricading the door with a chair and using black trash bags to conceal themselves.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.