A 16-year-old girl was has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred last week 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 that evening.
CPD officers, including school resource officers, spoke with numerous teenagers 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.
According to CPD, 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.
“We are encouraged that the victim’s health continues to improve as she remains in stable condition,” stated CPD in an update on Sunday.
An investigation led Clermont police to identifying a 16-year-old girl as the suspect in the stabbing. On Sunday, the teen suspect was located in the City of Groveland, and she was arrested by Groveland Police Department officers with assistance from CPD detectives.
The teen suspect was transported to Lake County Jail. She is being charged with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery with great bodily harm and affray.
The Clermont Police Department stated that the stabbing incident was “isolated” and involved “known parties.” No further details were released by police.
A day after the incident occurred, Clermont Police Chief Charles “Chuck” Broadway released a statement 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.”