Fight turns violent at student center

Two people were stabbed during a fistfight at SUNY Westchester Community College's student center in Valhalla on Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. A knife was recovered at the scene.

Victims rushed to hospital

One stabbing victim was seriously injured and required surgery; the other had less serious injuries. Both were taken to Westchester Medical Center and are expected to recover.

Students stepped in to help

SUNY students Paula Selby and Renee Murphy applied pressure to wounds to stop the bleeding while waiting for police. Murphy witnessed a woman pick up the knife and swing it after it fell.

“Both the boys dropped to the floor, and they're covered in blood and everybody just standing around.”

Two suspects arrested at scene

Two people were taken into custody and transported to Phelps Hospital for injuries sustained in the fight. Charges are pending against them.

All involved knew each other

Four people total were involved in the incident: three men and one woman. Police say they are all current or former students and all know each other.

Campus reopened for normal operations

The David Swope Student Center was temporarily closed but has since reopened. Police say there is no continuing threat to the college community, and classes are continuing as scheduled.

“There is no ongoing threat to anyone on campus.”

Investigation underway

Westchester County Police are investigating the full circumstances of the dispute that led to the stabbing. The case remains under investigation by patrol officers and detectives.