Student Charged After Stabbing Incident at Tacoma High School
In a troubling incident at Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington, four students and a security guard were injured due to a stabbing on Thursday. The suspect, identified as 16-year-old Waleed Emad Esaki, was apprehended shortly after the event.
Esaki faced an arraignment the following day in Pierce County Superior Court, where it was decided he would be tried as an adult.
Court documents indicate that the student allegedly stole a vape pen from another student a day prior, which led to a confrontation with the victim’s friends. During the altercation, one victim mentioned that Esaki “tried to fight them” after slapping her in the face.
Surveillance footage showed Esaki removing items from his pockets just before the fight broke out, and it was noted that some of the victims were unarmed.
Staff members intervened to break up the fight. The injuries ranged from stab wounds to cuts on the victims’ lips, with one student requiring emergency surgery to address a stab wound that affected his lung, while another underwent surgery for an arm injury.
Initially, authorities reported that there were both serious and minor injuries among the victims.
Esaki’s mother remarked that her son had transferred to Foss High School due to encountering bullying and fights at his previous school.
Tacoma Public Schools announced that a lockdown was initiated at 1:38 p.m., and students were safely released later at 2:45 p.m.
In light of the event, schools served as reunion spots for families, and all classes and activities were canceled for the following day. Counselors were made available to students and staff for support.
During the arraignment, a not guilty plea was entered for Esaki, with bail set at $75,000.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lena Berberich Ehrbout expressed serious concerns regarding community safety due to Esaki’s “erratic behavior,” describing the allegations as troubling.
An omnibus hearing is set for June 1, with a jury trial scheduled for June 17.
