A distressing event unfolded at a Cabell County elementary school, resulting in the arraignment of a suspect on Friday morning. Joshua Collins, a 43-year-old resident of Huntington, stood before a judge, accused of a violent assault against the principal of South Point Elementary School, Bill Christian.
The incident took place on Thursday, October 24. According to authorities, Collins, who was reportedly upset over a child custody dispute, attacked Christian in a hallway near the school’s main office. After a brief exchange, Collins allegedly stabbed the principal in the neck and upper torso.
Christian sought refuge in the office, locking the door behind him in an attempt to escape. However, Collins shattered the glass window to continue his pursuit, escalating the situation further. The altercation eventually spilled into the school cafeteria, where a South Point police officer intervened and apprehended Collins.
During the violent encounter, Collins suffered cuts on his arms and was subsequently treated at a Huntington hospital. After his medical discharge, he was taken into custody at the Western Regional Jail on Thursday evening.
The incident sparked high tensions, leading the school to implement a lockdown to ensure the safety of the students. Fortunately, no students were injured during the incident. The school remained closed on Friday as the community dealt 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 awaits further legal proceedings, including a potential extradition to Lawrence County, Ohio. There, he may face additional charges related to previously filed cases of stalking and menacing. An arraignment for these charges is scheduled for November 15.
The attack has left the community shaken, underscoring ongoing concerns about school safety and the potential impact of personal disputes within educational environments.