A Wilson High School student was allegedly stabbed in his leg off-campus on Monday morning, according to D.C. police and the principal of the school.

Melvin Gresham, the commander of MPD’s second district, writes in an email to a community listserv that police responded to the incident shortly after 9 a.m. on the 3900 block of Chesapeake Street NW, in Tenleytown. A male student was “approached by a suspect who demanded” the student’s property, he says.

“After a brief verbal exchange, there was a struggle that ensued, and the juvenile male suffered a stab wound to his leg,” Gresham explains. “The suspect fled to the adjacent neighborhood and remains at large. The student walked across the street to the school where he reported the incident. The victim has been transported to an area hospital and suffers non-life threatening injuries.”

A DCPS spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment. But in a letter to parents posted on the school’s website, Wilson’s principal, Kimberly Martin, said the school’s administration and security team are cooperating with MPD on the ongoing investigation.

“This morning we were made aware that while parking at an off-site location, a robbery of a student resulted in the student being injured and transported to Children’s Hospital,” Martin wrote. “While this event did not occur on campus, we are committed to providing safe passage for students, to and from school each day, and will continue working closely with all community resources to keep our students safe.”

According to Gresham, “the suspect is described to be an Asian or Hispanic male, in his 30’s, approximately 5’7” tall, 150 pounds, and wearing all dark clothing.”

In December, Wilson increased security following an incident where a semi-automatic handgun was found on campus.

You can read Wilson’s full letter below:

“Dear Parents:

At Wilson High School, we highly value and are committed to fostering a learning environment where students feel safe and secure.  We also want to communicate clearly with parents about safety issues when they arise.

The Wilson Administration, MPD, the Office of Youth Engagement, and our school security team are involved in an investigation of a stabbing incident of a Wilson student.

This morning we were made aware that while parking at an off-site location, a robbery of a student resulted in the student being injured and transported to Children’s Hospital. Emergency and support personnel responded quickly and professionally, for which we are truly grateful. Using the information gathered, MPD is searching for the assailant.

While this event did not occur on campus, we are committed to providing safe passage for students, to and from school each day, and will continue working closely with all community resources to keep our students safe.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Martin

Principal

Wilson High School”

Photo by Darrow Montgomery