NORTH MIAMI, FLA. (WSVN) - Rescue crews took two high school students to the hospital after they were randomly attacked at Florida International University’s north campus.
The two students from Maritime and Science Technology Academy in North Miami were collecting samples for an experiment when they were assaulted Monday morning at FIU’s Biscayne Bay campus.
“We’re going to get to the bottom of this and we’re going to understand what happened so that it never happens again,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg.
One student, 15-year-old Isabela Perdomo, has been upgraded to stable condition. However, the other student, 16-year-old James Critz, remains in critical condition.
A message from our Chief of Police pic.twitter.com/DUm0dmsnxR
— FIUPolice (@FIUPOLICE) September 11, 2018
“I am dismayed. I am saddened,” said Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. “I am disturbed by what I heard.”
According to Carvalho, the teens were on a trail that is well-traveled by students and that is known for its safety.
“Even though this is a very rare occurrence, it is one that cannot be ignored,” Carvalho said. “We are asking students, and continue to speak with faculty at MAST [Academy], but to be vigilant, to be careful.”
Police are now searching for the attacker and trying to figure out exactly what happened.
“The victims are in a condition that we aren’t able to get a whole lot of information from them, so anything that I were to release now would be premature,” said FIU Police Chief Alexander D. Casas. “We just need to follow what leads we have and let the process take us to the final conclusion.”
The suspect is being described as a young male, possible between 16 to 18 years old.
MAST students told 7News the attack has been the talk of the school.
“I’m not going to let this one small incident change my whole perspective, but I’ll just be more careful next time,” said student Sergey Kudelin.
Kudelin said he has known Perdomo for years and wishes the two victims well.
“Hopefully I’ll see both Bela and James really soon,” he said. “I hope they get well.”
FIU Police said they will have extra patrols on campus, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools will also have a crisis response team on campus.
If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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