Teacher's assistant recovering after knife attack

Tuesday, March 13, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- A teacher's assistant is recovering from injuries she received Friday when a 12-year-old student lashed out at her with a large knife in the bathroom of a Lawrenceville school, officials said Tuesday.

The female paraprofessional hospitalized in the attack has not been identified. Gwinnett Public Schools spokesman Jorge Quintana said the student is a sixth-grader at the Hooper Renwick School, which serves students with psychological behavior problems.

The weapon used was a 12-inch blade, which officials believe the student brought from home.

Quintana, citing federal patient privacy laws, did not release information on the woman's medical condition but said she's making a recovery. Investigators have described her wound as a "severe laceration," Quintana said.

Officials said the victim was cut on her forehead and hands. She'd been hired by the district about a month prior to the incident.

Quintana said the student and school employee were in the bathroom together because the student required supervision at all times.

The girl was transported to a youth detention center on charges of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and disruption of a public school. Her incarceration status was unknown Tuesday, Quintana said.

In a letter to parents Friday, assistant principal Robin Rainer said the school is cooperating with police investigators, "as the safety of our students and staff members is a top priority."

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