Cops still investigating attacks on 2 teen girls
A day after two West Philadelphia High students were slashed during an argument after school, a heavy police presence blanketed the area yesterday as students were dismissed for the day.
A day after two West Philadelphia High students were slashed during an argument after school, a heavy police presence blanketed the area yesterday as students were dismissed for the day.
"All of that fighting yesterday and slashing that girl up like they did, that was uncalled for," said Nasi, a senior, who asked that his last name not be used.
"I never like to see females that are put in that situation. It's just out of line," he said. "I mean, I have sisters and if anyone even tried to do anything like that to them, it wouldn't be a good idea."
Monday afternoon, Shakia West, 15, and Keinoa Little, 16, were waiting for the Route 42 bus at 48th and Spruce streets when about 10 girls spilled out of a car and attacked them, police said.
West suffered multiple cuts to both cheeks, the back of her head, her nose and both hands. She was released from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia yesterday and is recovering at home.
Police said that while Little was the intended target of the attack, which stemmed from a fight before Christmas, West also suffered serious injuries after trying to shield her friend.
Police were still working last night to determine what led to the fight and said they were close to an arrest.
"We have made no arrests so far," said Capt. Benjamin Naish of Southwest Detectives. "We are still trying to interview people and sort out what exactly happened and who was involved."
James Golden, the district's chief safety officer, said that despite Monday's attack, assaults within the district are down 13.5 percent from last year.
He also said that once the police complete their investigation, the district will decide what action is taken against the student or students who are held responsible.
"To the extent that school-district students are criminally charged, there will be disciplinary actions they will face, up to and including expulsion," Golden said.
Regardless of who is held responsible for what happened to West, Nasi said the young students should learn to settle their differences calmly.
"Sometimes, yes, people are going to have their disagreements, and what school doesn't?" Nasi said.
"But you should just learn to move on and go about your day. It's still a school and you're supposed to be there to learn, not fight." *
