One juvenile flown to outside hospital with significant injuries

ROCHELLE — Rochelle Township High School dismissed students early at 10:30 a.m. Monday due to a stabbing altercation that took place between two students that resulted in “significant injuries” to one student, press releases from Rochelle Township High School District 212 and Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said.

At 9:24 a.m. Monday an Ogle County deputy requested an ambulance to RTHS in reference to a student that had been stabbed, the press release said. RTHS immediately initiated planned protocols locking the building down and requiring students to stay in classrooms. RTHS’s on-site school resource officer, school nurse and other personnel handled the student situation until paramedics from the Rochelle Fire Department and additional law enforcement arrived.

The sheriff’s press release said that two male juveniles, both aged 17, were involved in a physical altercation.

“The Rochelle Fire Department transported both juveniles to Rochelle Community Hospital, one with minor injuries and one with significant injuries, who was later flown to an outside hospital,” the press release said. ”Officers from the Rochelle Police Department and additional deputies and investigators from the sheriff’s office responded to RTHS to assist.”

The early dismissal was called due to the altercation and the need for a continued investigation by law enforcement, the district press release said. Students exited the building under the supervision of local law enforcement. The school provided busing transportation and parents picked up students in the back of the building. All after-school programming was canceled. RTHS notified students that from 2-3:30 p.m. they could come back to process the events of the day with available counselors.

“RTHS has fully cooperated with the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office and the Rochelle Police Department as they have investigated this matter throughout the day,” the district press release said. “The initial investigation concluded there is no evidence to indicate anything other than an isolated incident between the two students identified today.”

Monday’s statement from the school district said it had no further comment regarding the situation as it is an active investigation with pending results. Further specific information about school will be communicated directly with parents.

No other Rochelle school buildings were impacted by the incident or early dismissal Monday.

VanVickle’s press release said results of the investigation are pending and media was asked to refer any questions regarding charges to the Ogle County State’s Attorney.