DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A teenager who appeared in court Wednesday has been ordered to be held in secure detention for a period of 21 days and will undergo a psychiatric evaluation after, authorities said, he attacked a teacher at his school with a pair of scissors.
The 14-year-old male, whose identity is being withheld due to legal regulations, appeared before the court following the incident that occurred on Tuesday.
The assault took place at the Bright Horizons School in Deerfield Beach, a specialized school servicing students with disabilities.
Investigators said the ninth-grade student ran after the teacher with the scissors and left her with a laceration on her ear.
“We have one of our teachers that was attacked, chased and stabbed,” said Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union.
The teacher has since been released from the hospital.
“If the teacher did not run to try to get away, there’s conversation that the child could have easily stabbed her in her face,” Fusco said.
She described a disturbing picture in an interview with 7News following the incident.
“There was blood in the hall; it was a very traumatizing, violent attack,” Fusco said.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office said the student was detained by school staff members until law enforcement arrived.
“What is going to be the swift action to make sure that this particular incident and whatever student does it is being held accountable,” said Fusco.
Although the teen is disabled, prosecutors are moving forward in charging him with attempted murder. It’s unclear if he understands the gravity of what he faces.
In court Wednesday, the teen’s attorney asked Judge Michael Orlando for an auditory process disorder evaluation, which would help determine his mental capabilities.
“I’ve already been in contact with my office to try and hire a psychologist,” the attorney said.
The state said they may possibly charge the teen as an adult. However, Orlando said a psychiatric evaluation needs to be done as soon as possible to help determine what’s next.
“That will assist the parties in understand any issues and circumstances you need to … and help the state with their decision, with what, if any charges would result from these arrests,” Orlando said.
The teen’s parents were also in court with a translator. They asked questions and determining whether they will hire a private attorney.
“There are two separate incidents that took place yesterday. We are reviewing them,” Orlando said.
The court’s decision to order secure detention and a psychiatric evaluation reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for a comprehensive assessment of the teenager’s mental and emotional well-being. The case will continue to evolve as more information becomes available.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.