Homemade Knife Found on 14-Year-Old After School Fight

A 14-year-old was found with a homemade knife at Kinnelon High School Thursday after allegedly fighting with a 17-year-old who was sent to the hospital with "serious" injuries, according to Kinnelon police Lt. John Schwartz.

The 14-year-old was charged with possession of a weapon on school property, although Schwartz said the knife, which was made from a pen and the tip of a hunting arrow, was not brought out during the fight or used to harm the 17-year-old.

The 17-year-old's injuries, to his face and head, were sustained after Schwartz said the 14-year-old allegedly picked the other teen up and "dropped him on his face." The teen was transported to Chilton Hospital by Tri-Boro First Aid Squad.

Kinnelon High School Principal Dr. Wayne Merckling said administrators contacted police.

"The police were called, responded quickly and made an arrest," he said.

Schwartz said police responded to the high school around noon after school officials had found the weapon when the fight was broken up.

"Apparently, there were ongoing issues between the two boys," Schwartz said.

Kinnelon High School staff members and administrators addressed the issue with students Friday morning.

"Most of you are aware by now that yesterday there was a fight in the hallway," the school administrators said in a statement read aloud to students. "Although not part of the fight, a weapon was found in school as well. As part of our investigation, and in dealing with this incident, we conducted a thorough search of those involved and have taken measures to secure the safety of everyone in school and maintain a safe environment for everyone in classes and in the halls, in school and out."

The statement continued by asking students to be proactive in reporting weapons and violence as they see them.

"In the process of the investigation we have learned that a number of students were aware of threats made toward students that included the use of weapons. The fact that this was not reported may have contributed to the serious injury of one of your peers. Going forward you must take these types of threats seriously and report them to someone you trust in the school or ask your parents to do so. If you have knowledge of students bringing weapons to school, that also must be reported. We must be united in our providing a safe environment for all of us to live in each day. We cannot do that without your help," the statement said.

Friday morning, staff members were advised to conduct random searches of students' belongings.