Portland police respond to Cleveland High School incident involving a knife

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Police responded to an incident on Wednesday afternoon at Cleveland High School involving a weapon, authorities said.

When officers arrived, they determined several people had chased a student, a Portland Police Bureau spokesperson confirmed to KOIN 6 News via email.

The student was holding a knife “in self-defense,” ran into the school for safety and dropped the weapon, police said.

“Officers and PPS staff are working to identify all parties involved,” said PPB Public Information Officer Mike Benner.

Officials said there was no longer a threat and no one was hurt.

Cleveland High School Principal JoAnn Wadkins released a letter to the school community, saying in part that the school doesn’t tolerate bullying, threats or intimidation. She said PPB is investigating the incident and trying to find out who was involved.

“Earlier today, a group of young people were reportedly chasing one of our students outside our building during lunch. The student ran inside to seek help, and school staff called 911. We confiscated a kitchen knife that was in his possession and quickly deescalated the situation. No one was hurt.

My main priority as principal is to ensure a safe learning environment for every Cleveland student and staff member, and my administration and I work hard each day to maintain a school culture that promotes mutual respect for everyone’s physical and emotional well-being. Threatening, intimidating, and bullying behavior is not tolerated at our school. The Portland Police Bureau are currently investigating the incident to determine who exactly was involved in the altercation outside the building, and we will be following all existing policies and procedures in handling this incident and its aftermath.”

Wadkins also said a list of counselors and supportive school staff was available for students who might’ve witnessed the incident, became upset and wanted to talk with someone. The full statement from the principal and the list of counselors is available at this link .

This is a developing story. KOIN 6 News will update this article if more information becomes available.

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