Teen Charged as Adult After Five Stabbed in School Vape Pen Dispute

Clear Facts

• Waleed Emad Essakhi, a student at Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington, has been charged with four counts of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing four students and a security guard on Thursday
• The violent altercation stemmed from a dispute over a stolen vape pen, with surveillance footage showing the suspect allegedly pulling a weapon from his pocket before being confronted by unarmed students
• One victim required emergency surgery to remove a portion of a lung, while another underwent surgery for severe arm lacerations; Essakhi will be tried as an adult with bail set at $75,000

A student has been charged as an adult following a violent stabbing incident at Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington, that left five people injured on Thursday. Waleed Emad Essakhi faces four counts of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly attacking four students and a security guard.

The incident was sparked by a dispute over a vape pen that Essakhi allegedly stole from a fellow student at a skatepark the previous day, according to court documents. Four of the victim’s friends approached Essakhi at school in retaliation for the theft.

One victim told authorities that Essakhi was “egging them on” to fight him, going so far as to slap his own face in provocation. Court documents reveal that surveillance footage captured the suspect pulling an object from his pocket moments before the four students engaged him in a fight.

Critically, none of the victims were armed when they confronted Essakhi.

School staff members and a security guard intervened to break up the altercation. The injuries sustained were severe and varied in nature.

The students suffered stab wounds and cut lips, while the security guard sustained lacerations on his arm. One victim was stabbed in the side and required emergency surgery to remove a portion of a lung, while another student underwent surgery for a significant cut on his arm.

Authorities initially reported that victims suffered both critical and non-critical injuries. The swift response by school security and law enforcement prevented what could have been an even more tragic outcome.

Essakhi’s mother provided context to investigators, stating her son had recently transferred to Foss High School after experiencing bullying and getting into fights at his previous school. This history raises questions about school transfer policies and student monitoring.

Tacoma Public Schools placed the campus on lockdown at 1:38 p.m., with students safely released at 2:45 p.m. The school served as a reunification site for families seeking to ensure their children’s safety.

Classes and activities were canceled the following day, and counselors were made available to support students and staff processing the traumatic event.

Essakhi was charged in Pierce County Superior Court on Friday, where a judge determined he would be tried as an adult despite his age. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during the arraignment.

“While these are just allegations at this time, the allegations are concerning,” deputy prosecuting attorney Lena Berberich-Eerebout said during the hearing.

“The state has severe concerns for community safety due to his volatile behavior, and release high bail is appropriate.”

Bail was set at $75,000, reflecting the severity of the charges and concerns about public safety. An omnibus hearing is scheduled for June 1, with a jury trial set to begin on June 17.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about school safety and the ability of educational institutions to protect students from violence. The fact that this altercation stemmed from a dispute over a vape pen underscores the dangers present when minor conflicts escalate without proper intervention.

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