Elmont High School student arrested and charged after switchblade found in backpack, police say

An Elmont High School student was arrested on Tuesday after staff allegedly found a switchblade knife in his backpack, Nassau County police said.

The student, 18, was arrested at the Ridge Road school about 1:50 p.m. and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to a Nassau County Police Department news release.

About the same time on Tuesday, another Nassau student, 15, pleaded not guilty in First District Court to criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly bringing a loaded handgun into West Hempstead High School, Newsday previously reported. Also on Tuesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the indictment of a Smithtown High School West student, 16, for bringing a stolen, loaded weapon into the building.

Last Thursday, a Sachem East High School student stabbed a 16-year-old with a kitchen knife during a schoolyard fight, Newsday previously reported. The victim was stabbed in the chest and underwent emergency surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital. 

Police released the Elmont student on an appearance ticket. He must appear in the Youth Section of Nassau County First District Court in Hempstead at a later date, police said.

Superintendent Regina Agrusa and Elmont High principal Tony Santana said in a statement to the school community that school officials "immediately" contacted police after the knife was found "around dismissal time."

"While no threats were made, the District takes this matter very seriously. The safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment," the statement read.

It continued, "Please be assured that in addition to any legal consequences the individual may face, the District will address this incident in accordance with our Code of Conduct."