A 16-year-old Hendrick Hudson High School student was arrested earlier today after he allegedly threatened another student with a knife a short distance away from school grounds.
The student allegedly displayed the knife and made the threat just before 8 a.m. It was reported to state police by a person who witnessed the incident while dropping another student off at the school.
The student was arrested and charged with second-degree menacing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both misdemeanors. His arraignment was scheduled for today in Buchanan village court.
Brian Monahan, interim superintendent of Hendrick Hudson schools, said he sent a letter out to parents earlier this morning that explained the incident.
“In light of the state of the world now, I will always err on the side of sharing information with parents so they can have accurate information instead of having to rely on rumors,” Monahan said.
Monahan said the district hasn’t made a decision yet on whether or not to suspend the student.
“We’re waiting to see what the state police does before we do anything,” Monahan said. “It happened off of school grounds, but we do take action against students for things that happen off school property if it disrupts the educational program.”
Below is a copy of the letter Monahan sent to parents earlier today.
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Dear Families,
Although it did not take place on school district property, I want to inform you of an incident that occurred early this morning involving two Hendrick Hudson High School students. Prior to arriving at school, two students were involved in an incident involving a knife. Nobody was injured. The incident was reported to school officials. Police were contacted and are following through. All students at the School are safe and are attending classes as usual.
Facts and rumors have a way of spreading in this age of technology, so I am sharing this information with you.
Brian Monahan, Ph.D.
Brian.Monahan@HenHudSchools.org
That being said, I have been impressed so far with Dr. Monahan's ongoing dialogue with the community through email. He seems to be on top of what is happening in our district.