In response to a double-stabbing that occurred off school grounds immediately following a Sto-Rox high school football game, local police departments are coordinating with the district’s new security staff.
After the Sept. 8 incident immediately following a football game in which two students were stabbed during an altercation. They went back into the stadium to seek medical help. Maniyah Turner, 17, was charged as an adult in the case with two counts of Aggravated assault and possession of an instrument of crime with the intent of use. Turner turned herself in on Sept. 12.
“In cooperation with Sto-Rox school district, we will be detailing two officers (from either Stowe, Stowe and McKees Rocks, or McKees Rocks) physically to the Sto-Rox high school football games,” Chief Matthew Preininger said via email.
Preininger said the Stowe police will work with the school's security firm to help bolster safety.
In a statement released by the district, Superintendent Megan Van Fossan said, “District leadership has met with local law enforcement to plan for this Friday’s game vs. Charleroi. As a precaution, we will have extra police support during that game. Per our standard procedures, everyone who enters the stadium will be screened and re-entry will not be permitted. Additionally, no bags will be allowed in.”
“When violence occurred off-campus, we worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement and EMTs to make sure those needing care received it, and that an investigation started right away. We want everyone in the Sto-Rox community – residents and visitors – to feel safe and enjoy great events in our schools,” Van Fossan said via statement.
Several incidents have already marked the 2023-24 school year.
On Sept. 15, shots were fired and police shut down portions of Island Avenue to investigate, causing a delayed dismissal throughout the district.
On Sept. 19, schools within the district were evacuated due to an anonymous bomb threat called into the school.
According to a statement from Communications Director Dan Rinkus, the threats were called into multiple school districts, but Sto-Rox reacted with an abundance of caution.