PELLA — On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 7:41 a.m., the Pella Police Department was alerted to a situation involving a student at Pella Middle School who was reportedly armed with a knife. Officers quickly responded to the scene. Law enforcement officers secured the area within two minutes and placed one juvenile into custody at 7:43 a.m. The juvenile was held in the custody of officers until he was transported to the Pella Police Department at 7:58 a.m. 

An investigation revealed that a 14-year-old male student at Pella Middle School brought a large kitchen knife to the school and attacked three students in the cafeteria. The male student first attacked a student, striking her in the neck and back several times with the knife. He then lunged with the knife to strike a second student but was unsuccessful; he then successfully struck a third student, striking her with the knife in the arm. Two students sustained minor laceration-type injuries but did not require medical transport. Personnel from the Pella Community Ambulance were on-site and treated the injured students. Pella Middle School staff reunited the victims and several other students with their parents.  

Juvenile referrals for the 14-year-old male offender were filed with the juvenile court for the following crimes: 

• Three counts of Attempt to Commit Murder, a Class B Felony 
• Two counts of Willful Injury, a Class D Felony 
• One count of Assault with Intent to Inflict a Serious Injury, an Aggravated Misdemeanor • One count of Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Minor, a Serious Misdemeanor 

The investigation into this matter is ongoing. Any students or parents with information are asked to contact the Pella Police Department.