Teen threatens classmate with knife during dodge ball game, deputies say | Schools

SALISBURY - A Rowan County teenager is facing charges after deputies say he got upset during a game of dodge ball and threatened to cut another student.

Deputies say East Rowan High School student Joey Ward was playing a game of dodge ball when he was hit with the ball.

That's when Ward threatened to "cut and stab the other student," deputies say. The incident was reported to the school's coach in the gym class and the school was placed under lock down.

Rita Foil, Public Information Officer with Rowan Salisbury Schools told WBTV that ERHS was under a "code red" lockdown as a response to a request from the sheriff's office "in response to a student reported on campus carrying a knife."

Principal Kelly Sparger sent a Connect-ED message to all parents.

"The safety of our students is a top priority," Foil said.   "We will continue to take all necessary measures in assuring that our school remains a safe environment for all our students.

Sheriff's deputies located the student off campus a short time later and the lockdown was lifted. 

Ward was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct and Possession of a Weapon on a School Campus and was placed in jail under a $1000 bond.

The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate the incident.