FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 9:38AM
We are aware of rumors circulating online about a possible shooting at Watsonville High School today. After a thorough investigation, our Officers have determined that there is NO CREDIBILITY behind these rumors.
Following yesterday’s incidents, our police department devised a plan to have additional Officers on campus and patrolling the area to ensure the safety of students and staff. That plan remains in place today.
We take all reports of potential threats seriously and will continue to closely monitor the situation. As always, we encourage anyone with information to reach out to us directly.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 5:53PM
Our Detectives are requesting that any Watsonville High students or staff members with photos or videos connected to the stabbing and the assault that followed on campus on Thursday, October 23, upload them using the secure link below.
Parents, we encourage you to talk with your kids and ask if they witnessed or recorded anything that could help us with this investigation.
All submissions will remain confidential, and any information shared will only be used for investigative purposes. Once uploaded, files cannot be deleted.
Link HERE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2:25PM
All Watsonville Police Officers on duty, as well as our partners from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team, responded to reports of a stabbing at Watsonville High School right before 10:04 in the morning. Less than two minutes later, one of our Sergeants arrived on scene to find school staff holding down the 16-year-old suspect.
The suspect was quickly detained and taken into custody. Two victims, a 14-year-old student and a school staff member, were stabbed. Officers, Watsonville Firefighters, and school staff were rendering aid to the victims while the ambulances arrived. Watsonville High School and Linscott Elementary School were placed on lockdown. Shortly before 10:30 AM, the lockdown at Linscott Elementary was lifted. A lengthier lockdown was needed at the High School to continue our investigation, but it was lifted shortly after noon.
A second incident that stemmed from that stabbing is also being investigated. Another student suspect fled from the scene of the stabbing, gathered two other students, and attacked another 14-year-old student. The incidents happened one right after the other.
In all, there are four suspects, all students from Watsonville High School, who were arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall. All victims are expected to be okay.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 11:21AM
There is currently a shelter-in-place at Watsonville High School following a stabbing on campus shortly after 10 AM.
A student and a staff member were injured during this incident and have been taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. Both are expected to be okay. All other students and staff have been accounted for and are safe.
School staff was able to quickly intervene and hold down the 16-year-old student suspect until our Officers arrived on campus and detained him.
The school will remain in a shelter-in-place until we complete our investigation. The Pajaro Valley Unified School District will be providing additional updates to parents and staff.