A shocking incident unfolded at a Cabell County elementary school, leading to the arrest and arraignment of a suspect on Friday. Joshua Collins, a 43-year-old Huntington resident, was charged with a violent assault on the principal of South Point Elementary School, Bill Christian.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 24. Authorities report that Collins, apparently agitated over a child custody issue, attacked Christian in a hallway near the school’s main office. Following a brief confrontation, Collins is alleged to have stabbed the principal in the neck and upper torso.
Christian managed to retreat to the office, locking the door behind him to evade his attacker. However, Collins escalated the situation by breaking the glass window to continue his pursuit. The altercation eventually moved into the school cafeteria, where a South Point police officer intervened and arrested Collins.
During the violent encounter, Collins sustained cuts on his arms and was subsequently treated at a Huntington hospital. Following his medical discharge, he was taken into custody at the Western Regional Jail on Thursday evening.
The incident triggered high tensions, prompting the school to initiate a lockdown to ensure student safety. Thankfully, no students were harmed during the incident. The school remained closed on Friday as the community grappled with the aftermath.
Principal Christian received immediate medical attention from the school nurse before being transported to the hospital. He is currently in a stable but serious condition.
Collins now faces further legal proceedings, including a potential extradition to Lawrence County, Ohio. There, he may face additional charges related to previously filed cases of stalking and menacing. An arraignment for these charges is scheduled for November 15.
The attack has shaken the community, highlighting ongoing concerns about school safety and the potential impact of personal disputes within educational environments.