Warren County 3-year-old boy stabbed by neighbor, deputies say

Mar. 4—Warren County deputies are investigating the stabbing of a 3-year-old boy in an incident reported by an online student to her teacher, who then called 911.

Officials said the stabbing involved the online student's mother and a neighbor child.

Deputies responded to a residence on Charleston Park Drive this morning in Deerfield Twp. for a report of a child who was stabbed sometime about 8:30 and 9 a.m.

Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the boy had been stabbed with a ceramic knife by a neighbor. The boy was transported to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening.

Lt. Todd Snelling said the suspect has been taken into custody, but has not been formally charged with felonious assault, a second-degree felony. He said the suspect is undergoing a medical evaluation and will be charged pending those results.

Tracy Carson, spokeswoman for the Mason City School District, released a statement Thursday about the incident.

"This morning, an MHS online learner reported to her teacher that her mother was stabbing someone. The teacher immediately called 911. The victim was the younger sibling of an MECC student. The children were outside on their way to the MECC bus stop.

"The child is expected to make a full recovery. Our mental wellness team was at the scene with Warren County deputies and is providing support to both families. We are all coming to grips with today's tragic and frightening situation. We struggle to find words of comfort, and do not have answers about why something like this happens.

"We know that everyone processes traumatic events differently. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact your child's counselor or mental wellness coordinator. Please find additional information on our Resources for Mason Families document."