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Police have released additional details from their preliminary investigation into Wednesday’s assault at Pennbrook Middle School, which sent one student to the hospital with head trauma.
According to Upper Gwynedd Police Chief David Duffy, the assault occurred in the school cafeteria at 1:20 p.m. The incident involved a 13-year-old assailant and a 12-year-old victim, according to police.
“Video depicts a sudden, violent, unprovoked assault with the assailant coming from behind the victim,” Duffy said.
Investigators confirmed the assailant struck the victim in the head with a Stanley tumbler, causing a bleeding head wound. The victim was transported from the scene via ambulance to an area hospital for treatment.
In correspondence Wednesday evening, Duffy said the victim required staples to close lacerations on their head, and the victim is currently in a concussion protocol.
Following the attack, Pennbrook Principal Nick Taylor sent an email to parents alerting them to the incident. The email, which was obtained by North Penn Now, notified parents that the school was placed on an eight-minute hold due to the incident.
“School security and school staff were on hand and quickly responded, and are to be commended for their swift actions,” Taylor said, in the email. “Police and emergency medical responders were also immediately called and arrived at the scene.”
Multiple sources within the district told North Penn Now that the assailant had previously been expelled from another district middle school — allegedly due to violence and inappropriate behavior. In an email to families Wednesday night, North Penn Superintendent Todd Bauer disputed that the student had been previously expelled from school.
"Some have implied that the student was expelled from another NPSD middle school for violent in-school behavior and transferred to Pennbrook. It has also been reported that the student was expelled from another school for violent behavior," Bauer said. "Both of these assertions are false. I have also been in contact with this family and recognize that they also need support as a result of this incident."
As part of their investigation, police said they will be looking into whether the assailant had a prior juvenile criminal history. Duffy added the student has not been taken into custody, but a juvenile petition was pending.
A spokesperson for North Penn School District declined to comment Wednesday afternoon when questioned by this news organization, stating they were still in the preliminary fact-finding portion of their investigation. The statement sent to families Wednesday night reads, in full:
"Good evening Pennbrook Families and Staff,
I am writing to you this evening regarding the serious incident that took place today during the seventh grade lunch. This afternoon, Dr. Taylor sent a communication to families immediately following the situation alerting you that an incident occurred and that a “hold” was put in place. Since that time, the administration has been working with law enforcement and the families of the students involved to better understand what happened so that we can provide updated and accurate information.
As a school district, we aspire to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for our students and staff. A student sustained serious injuries as a result of another student’s actions. I have been in contact with this student’s family and will continue to work with them throughout the recovery process. The family has requested and deserves privacy as the student recovers.
I also recognize that the other students present were alarmed and scared by what they witnessed. This is completely understandable, and Dr. Taylor has been working with our counseling department and the district-wide traumatic event response team to support students in the upcoming days. Dr. Taylor intends to meet with each grade tomorrow morning to address today’s incident and to discuss the supportive measures that will be provided, including additional counselors.
I also want to acknowledge that there are rumors circulating regarding the other student involved in today’s incident. Some have implied that the student was expelled from another NPSD middle school for violent in-school behavior and transferred to Pennbrook. It has also been reported that the student was expelled from another school for violent behavior. Both of these assertions are false. I have also been in contact with this family and recognize that they also need support as a result of this incident.
I know Pennbrook Middle School to be a safe school where our students learn and grow under the guidance of caring adults. Today’s incident is extremely disappointing and concerning, but it does not represent the values and qualities you and I have grown to know. Tomorrow, we will take the necessary steps to restore your confidence and support our students and staff in the process of healing from today’s traumatic incident. We will also continue to work with local law enforcement to support their investigation.
Sincerely,
Todd M. Bauer
Superintendent"
