Police: Harrison teen thought he killed boy he attacked with crowbar

The suspect in Tuesday’s alleged attack at a school bus stop in Fawn thought he killed the teen he struck repeatedly with a crowbar.

“I just did a homicide,” Russell Smith, 17, of Harrison told police who arrested him following the assault, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case.

Allegheny County Police charged Smith with attempted homicide and aggravated assault. The victim, a 14-year-old boy, remained hospitalized in critical condition Wednesday.

Police said the teens had been arguing on the school bus on the way home Tuesday afternoon, the criminal complaint said.

The boys are Highlands School District students, but attend Longmore Academy, a private school for at-risk youth in Mars.

Police said Smith opened the emergency exit and ran out when the bus stopped on Jolly Hill Road in Fawn. The other boy, 14, grabbed a crowbar that was mounted near the bus driver and followed Smith, according to police.

The 14-year-old hit Smith in his knee with the crowbar, police said. In a fight that ensued, Smith grabbed the crowbar and repeatedly struck the other teen in the stomach and head, police said.

Smith told police he briefly blacked out before running from the scene.

When police arrived at the scene, they found the victim with several skull fractures.

Witnesses provided police with a description of Smith, who was later located. The criminal complaint said Smith attempted to run from police.

Smith was taken to the hospital with a leg injury.

MHY Family Services, Longmore Academy’s parent organization, acknowledged the incident in a statement but said it could not confirm or deny its students’ involvement or provide further details because of privacy laws.

“The tragic incident that occurred on (Tuesday) afternoon shakes both the education and mental health system,” the statement said. “The entire MHY Family Services organization is dedicated to promoting mental health recovery for those affected by trauma, and our hearts go out to the students and families impacted by this tragedy.”

Longmore provides educational services to students in school districts across the region.

Highlands School District said in a statement that thoughts and prayers were with the injured student and his family.

“The district has been in close communication with Allegheny County law enforcement regarding this incident. We will continue to cooperate throughout the investigation process,” the statement said. “Support for students and staff will be made available by school-based counseling and mental health personnel. The safety and wellness of Highlands students is our top priority and we, as a district, are committed to preventing this type of violence.”

Smith is being held in the Allegheny County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11 in Pittsburgh Municipal Court.