CABELL COUNTY, WV – A harrowing incident involving a stabbing at an elementary school led to the arraignment of a suspect in Cabell County on Friday morning. Joshua Collins, a 43-year-old Huntington resident, appeared in court facing charges of felonious assault against South Point Elementary School Principal Bill Christian.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 24, when Collins reportedly attacked Christian in a hallway near the school’s front office. Authorities say Collins, distressed over a child custody issue, stabbed the principal in the neck and upper torso after a brief conversation.
In an attempt to escape, Christian retreated into the office, seeking safety behind a locked door. However, Collins broke through the glass window to pursue him, further escalating the situation. The confrontation extended into the school cafeteria, where a South Point police officer intervened and apprehended Collins.
During the violent encounter, Collins sustained lacerations on his arms and was treated at a Huntington hospital. Following his medical release, Collins was booked into the Western Regional Jail on Thursday evening.
Significant tensions surrounded the incident, prompting the school to initiate a lockdown to ensure the children’s safety. Thankfully, no students were harmed during the ordeal. School operations were suspended on Friday as the community grappled with the aftermath.
Principal Christian received immediate care from the school nurse before hospital transport. He remains hospitalized in a stable yet serious condition.
Collins now faces coming legal proceedings, including an extradition to Lawrence County, Ohio, where he will confront additional charges. These potential charges stem from previously filed cases of stalking and menacing in Lawrence County, with an arraignment scheduled for November 15.
The attack has shaken the community, highlighting ongoing concerns about school safety and the impact of personal disputes within educational settings.