WAYNE, N.J. — An 18-year-old student has been arrested and charged after allegedly stabbing a 14-year-old boy during a fight at a New Jersey school on Monday afternoon, police confirmed.

The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. inside the cafeteria of Lakeview Learning Center, located on Van Duyne Avenue in Wayne, according to the Wayne Township Police Department.

Authorities said the altercation between the two students escalated quickly, culminating in the older teen—identified as Rayshawn Christian of Elizabeth, New Jersey—allegedly stabbing the younger boy in the chest.

“The victim was bleeding heavily from the chest and required emergency surgery,” officials said.

The injured 14-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital. As of Tuesday, his medical condition had not been released.

Knife Recovered, Suspect Taken Into Custody

Officers responded immediately and took Christian into custody at the school. A knife, believed to be the weapon used in the stabbing, was recovered at the scene.

Christian now faces multiple charges, including:

• Aggravated assault
• Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Unlawful possession of a weapon
• Unlawful possession of a weapon in an educational institution

Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the altercation or whether the two teens had prior disputes.

School Safety and Response

The Lakeview Learning Center, a special education school operated by the Passaic County Educational Services Commission, has not commented publicly on the incident. It remains unclear whether the school was placed on lockdown during or after the stabbing.

Parents and community members expressed concern over how such a dangerous situation unfolded inside a school cafeteria in broad daylight.

“We send our kids to school expecting them to be safe,” said one parent, who asked not to be named. “Something needs to be done to prevent violence like this.”

School and district officials are expected to review safety protocols, and the investigation is ongoing.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing to gather statements from students, staff, and anyone who may have witnessed the incident. It remains unclear whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Wayne Township Police Department.

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