A 10-year-old suspect is receiving treatment from juvenile mental health professionals after allegedly stabbing a 7-year-old student at Bubb Elementary School in Mountain View Wednesday afternoon. The attack occurred during an after-school YMCA program, and police said the suspect, who does not attend the school, was later detained without incident.
The stabbing occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the school’s play area near the campus baseball field in the 500 block of Hans Avenue. A juvenile not affiliated with the YMCA reportedly approached the student and cut the child’s shoulder with a knife. The victim suffered three stab wounds and was treated at the scene by the Mountain View Fire Department before being released to a parent.
Staff supervising the program immediately contacted the Mountain View Police Department, and the campus was placed on lockdown while officers searched the surrounding neighborhood. During the search, patrol officers reviewed residential video footage and identified the suspect, whom an officer recognized from prior contacts.
A Los Altos Police Department K-9 unit assisted in tracking the suspect from the school to a nearby residence. Officers coordinated with a guardian and detained the juvenile without incident. Custody of the suspect was transferred to Pacific Clinics, Santa Clara County’s juvenile mental health services provider, according to police. Police confirmed all students on campus were safe and that there is no ongoing danger to the community.
According to the Mountain View Whisman School District, the suspect was not enrolled in the after-school program and does not attend Bubb Elementary. Some students in the after-care program witnessed the incident, and mental health staff were brought in shortly afterward to provide support and reassurance. Counseling services will continue to be available on campus.
The case is being handled by Mountain View police, and the district said it is cooperating with the investigation.
In a message to families, Mountain View Whisman School District Superintendent Jeffrey Baier said, “The safety of our students is always our top priority,” and encouraged the community “to continue looking out for one another.”
“If you see something concerning around our schools, please report it to school staff or local law enforcement. Working together helps keep our students and community safe,” Baier said.
The district said it plans to provide families with additional updates as more information becomes available.
Note: This story was updated to specify that staff initially contacted the Mountain View Police Department.
