Student attack fueled by Facebook post

Officials of New Media Technology Charter School are looking into the details of a violent attack that unfolded on the school’s Cedarbrook grounds last week.

According to police reports, four female students punched, kicked and stabbed a fifth young woman in the face with a screwdriver during the school day Jan. 24. The victim was later treated at a nearby hospital for a small gash.

Police arrived at the Thouron Street locale in the early afternoon following a 911 call. 14th Police District Captain Joel Dales said all four student assailants were arrested and at least one was charged with aggravated assault.

The incident was allegedly fueled by an item posted on the popular social-networking web site, Facebook.com, according to Dales. The exact nature of that posting is unclear at this point.

“I don’t have that information,” said Dales.

School CEO Donnamarie Parker confirmed that police responded to the school’s emergency call and said the attack was a rare incident.

“It’s not something that’s usual here,” she said Monday. “It’s an isolated incident.”

Parker said all four students have been suspended pending further discussion and a final decision.

Whether the school will ultimately expel any of those students remains unclear.