Ringgold School District closes schools after stabbing at stadium; suspect in custody

A suspect is in custody after a stabbing during a youth football game at Ringgold High School’s stadium in Washington County Sunday, according to the district’s superintendent.

The ongoing investigation of the incident has prompted the Ringgold School District to close all of its schools on Monday, Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich said in a letter to the community.

First responders were called to Ringgold’s Joe Montana Stadium in Carroll Township shortly after 1:30 p.m., a Washington County 911 dispatcher said.

The victim, believed to be 19 years old, was flown to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, the dispatcher said. His age had not been verified, and no information on his condition was available.

Ringgold School District Police charged Daron Carpenter, 17, of Monongahela with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault and possessing a weapon on school property. He was awaiting arraignment Sunday night, according to court records.

Three youth football games were scheduled to be held at the stadium Sunday afternoon, beginning at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., according to the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League.

The league said on social media that the incident at one of its youth football games “did not involve any WPYFL or affiliated parties.”

The game was not sponsored by the school, Skrinjorich said in a letter.

“While this incident occurred on a weekend, and outside of school hours, it did occur on district property,” Skrinjorich wrote. “Therefore, we are working in full cooperation with authorities.”

Counseling and support services will be available for any students or staff in need, he wrote.

“Our thoughts are with all who have been affected,” Skrinjorich said. “We are committed to ensuring that our community is safe within our schools and will continue to collaborate with officials during this active investigation.”

Schools closed Monday

Skrinjorich announced later Sunday evening that, because of the ongoing investigation, all schools will be closed on Monday.

There will be no formal classes, but school buildings will remain open and the previously announced counseling services will be available for students.

“We understand that this decision may cause an inconvenience for some of our families, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility,” Skrinjorich said in a second letter to the community. “After careful consideration, we believe this is the least disruptive and most supportive option for our students and staff at this time.”