Detroit Area Custodian Stabbed to Death at School

According to WJBK-TV, a custodian was stabbed to death November 2, inside a janitorial closet at Redford Union High School, in Redford, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.

A custodian co-worker reportedly discovered the alleged assailant, a 42-year-old Detroit man also a custodian for the school, stabbing the victim.

“She walked towards the closet, and as she got closer, she could see, by the way that the door was open, that the gentleman was there, stabbing the supervisor,” Karlos Harris, brother of the custodian who witnessed the event, told WJBK.

According to Harris, his sister at first tried to stop the suspect. But after being unable to do so, she fled and locked herself in a school office, where she then called police.

“Even though she may not have been physically harmed, the psychological effects have to be weighing on her,” Harris said. “She assured me she is doing OK. She didn’t sleep well last night, but for the most part, she’s OK.”

According to police, the assault took place at 5:30 p.m., and no teachers nor students were present or at danger. The victim was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. No further information about the victim is available, and the police are still trying to figure out the full circumstances of the attack.

As reported by The Detroit News, the alleged assailant was taken into police custody. While the investigation is ongoing, police believe there is no longer a threat to the community.

The Redford Union Schools system issued a statement regarding the attack, which read, “The safety of our students, staff, and entire school community is our highest priority, and our thoughts this morning are with the affected families.” In response to the incident, the high school was closed on Friday.

The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for violence within facilities. For more information on what should be done when your facility is being threatened by a violent individual, check out Run, Hide, Fight: How Facilities Can Prepare for an Active Shooter Situation.