A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized on Friday night after she was stabbed during a fight that occurred near Lake Minneola in downtown Clermont.
Earlier in the day on Friday, April 5, Clermont Police Department officers were informed of a rumor that a large fight may occur around the same time as an organized event scheduled to take place in the evening.
CPD officers, including school resource officers, spoke with numerous students to gather information and warn them not to engage in any fights, according to the police department. In addition, officers were added to the event in question to increase security.
In a social media post, CPD stated that a preliminary investigation revealed that a group of juveniles was determined to engage in a physical altercation in an isolated location away from the event due to the large police presence in the area.
On Friday night, CPD officers responded to the area of 5th Street and Carroll Street after receiving a report that a “large fight between two groups of juveniles” was underway. When officers arrived at the incident location, most of the juveniles had left the area except for a 16-year-old girl who had sustained a stab wound, and several of her friends were also nearby.
The police department stated that the teen victim had suffered a stab wound to her “upper back/neck area.” Officers immediately rendered medical aid to the victim, and she was transported via helicopter to a hospital in Orlando.
In an update on Saturday, CPD stated that the victim is currently in stable condition, and she is expected to make a full recovery. Her name was not released by law enforcement.
“This was an isolated incident involving known parties and there is no danger to the general public,” stated Clermont police.
Clermont Police Chief Charles “Chuck” Broadway released a statement on Saturday thanking the officers who quickly responded to provide medical aid, as well as the detectives who immediately launched an investigation. “Their actions and quick response not only helped ensure the victim received immediate medical attention but also allowed valuable investigative information to be collected that we believe will lead to the identification of the suspect.”
Chief Broadway also addressed the young men and women in the community by reminding them that the decisions they make today will have consequences or repercussions.
“Do not let poor decisions today negatively impact your future,” stated the police chief. “Violence is never the answer.”
No further details were released by the Clermont Police Department. An investigation is ongoing, and CPD stated that detectives anticipate that the suspect in this case will soon be identified and placed under arrest.