3 armed student attacks in 2 weeks raise concerns

A 15-year-old boy was arrested by police in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, after he allegedly pulled a box cutter from his pocket and stabbed a classmate in his neck and head.

The suspect claimed during police questioning that the classmate provoked him by calling him out to the hallway and slapping his face.

The alleged victim is currently undergoing medical treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening. Police will further investigate to find out the reason behind the fight.

This is the third case involving students using weapons at schools in the last two weeks.

Prior to this case, a high school student in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi, was arrested Sept. 25 on assault charges after injuring three schoolmates with a knife during a group fight. And a 15-year-old student in Wonju, Gangwon, reportedly stabbed his classmate with a knife on Sept. 26.

“Students are more likely to commit copycat crimes than adults,” said Lee Soo-jung, a professor of criminal psychology at Kyonggi University. “Schools should take measures to prevent copycat crimes by banning the possession of objects that can be used as weapons.”

BY LIM MYOUNG-SOO [kim.yuna1@joongang.co.kr]