Student suffers life-threatening injuries at Meadowbrook High School; second student charged

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A student has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding after a fight at Meadowbrook High School in Chesterfield left another student with life-threatening injuries Monday morning.

Chesterfield police confirmed an altercation among students early Monday led to police and EMS being called to the school.

A school resource officer initially requested EMS for a medical emergency but determined the incident was an assault.

Meadowbrook students tell CBS 6 that the school was placed on lockdown around 10 a.m.

“I was really scared because we didn’t know what was happening for an hour and a half,” says a student named Marie.

Student Jose Galbez adds, “There was just a lot of police showing up and they were going in and out of buildings.”

Students say they were changing classes between first and second block when the altercation started in the hallway, initially between two students.

“They had bumped into each other and they just got upset with each other I guess,” says student Senaca Tillies. “And it just started from there and they started fighting and one of them must have had a seizure.”

Police say no weapons were involved but a male student, under the age of 18, sustained life-threatening injuries. His older brother tells CBS 6 that he remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Another male student, also under the age of 18, has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding and is currently being held in juvenile detention. Crime Insider sources say he is 16 years old.

"An increased police presence will remain at Meadowbrook High School throughout the remainder of the week to ensure the safety of students and staff," a Chesterfield Police spokesperson said. "Chesterfield County Public Schools has made additional student support services available and is offering assistance for staff members. Families may also contact their student’s counselor or school administrator for further support."

Students tell CBS 6 that school leaders at Meadowbrook were able to respond to the incident quickly and calmly.

“It’s not a bad school,” says a student named Tiana. “We have really good teachers and all the students are really good. We just happen to have a few bad incidents. We’re just not a bad school at all.”

A GoFundMe has been started for the victim's medical expenses. Click here to donate.

Crime Insider sources said police are reviewing surveillance video to determine of other students were involved and could be charged.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251 or Chesterfield County Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.

This is a developing story, so check back with WTVR.com for updates. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have info, photos or videos to share.