OAN Staff Lillian Mann
4:27 PM – Thursday, April 30, 2026

The Tacoma Police Department has reportedly taken one suspect into custody following a violent incident Thursday afternoon at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington, which left six people injured.

The suspect has not been identified as of 4:28 p.m. PST.

Authorities arrived on the scene shortly after 1:30 p.m. in response to a 911 call reporting a potential stabbing that may have escalated from a physical fight.

According to Tacoma Fire Department spokesperson Chelsea Shepherd and police spokesperson Officer Shelbie Boyd, first responders discovered a chaotic scene involving four student victims, a campus security guard, and the suspect.

Of those involved, five individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, with at least four currently listed in critical condition. The suspect was also transported for medical evaluation with non-life-threatening injuries and remains under police supervision.

Meanwhile, the campus security guard was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

While specific details regarding the type of knife was used or the exact location of the attack within the school remain under investigation, a student witness told Fox 13 Seattle that the altercation may have been sparked by a dispute over a vape pen.

By 2:30 p.m., Officer Boyd assured the public that the scene was secured and the immediate danger had passed. Although investigators are still piecing together the full timeline of events, the school lockdown has been lifted, and officials have established a reunification point in the parking lot for parents to collect their children.

Safe and secure protocols remain in place as forensics teams continue to process the site.

“So basically, this one guy, he took somebody’s vape pen, and they didn’t like that, so they were going to jump him — or they did, I think. And he had a knife and he shanked four kids and one adult,” said one student, who explained that she had not seen the incident herself, but heard about it (hearsay). “So basically, this one guy, he took somebody’s vape pen, and they didn’t like that, so they were going to jump him — or they did I think. And he had a knife and he shanked four kids and one adult,” the student continued.

 

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