By: Devin Fry
MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) – A household steak knife was found outside the Moorhead High School Career Academy, marking the third weapons-related incident at the school since the school year began.
The knife was discovered by an adult outside one of the school’s side entrances and was immediately reported and secured, according to a message sent to families by Principal Josh Haag.
The student connected to the situation is no longer enrolled at the high school and did not enter the building, Haag said. The information has been provided to the Moorhead Police Department.
“There is no threat to staff or students,” Haag said in the message.
Previous incidents
The knife discovery follows two separate firearm incidents at the Career Academy this fall.
On Sept. 29, a 17-year-old was charged with felony possession of a firearm after a disturbance at the school. Police said officers found a loaded handgun near the student after he left school grounds. The teen was taken to the West Central Regional Juvenile Center.
Initially, school officials said no weapon was found during a backpack search at the school’s Alternative Learning Center. Executive Director of Community Engagement Brenda Richman later clarified that no weapon was found on school grounds, but police discovered the firearm after the student left the building.
On Sept. 17, another student was taken into custody regarding a separate firearm incident on campus.
Haag said the latest incident reinforces that the school’s locked doors and safety protocols are working to reduce potential threats and keep prohibited items out of buildings.
The principal said student and staff safety and security remain the school’s top priority, and officials will continue to monitor and follow up as needed.
