TORRANCE – An ex-student allegedly stabbed three staff members and made a bomb threat at a Torrance special education school Monday.
The violence broke out about 8:15 a.m. Monday at Switzer Learning Center, a private K-12 special education school at 2201 Amapola Court, south of Del Amo Boulevard, according to the Torrance Police Department.
The former student also tried to stab a fourth staffer before fleeing, police said.
“Two of the victims were quickly transported to Harbor General Hospital and are currently receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries,” said Torrance police public information officer Lt. Fareed Ahmad.
A third victim was treated at the scene by Torrance Fire Department personnel, he said.
Torrance police issued a notice about 8:40 a.m. warning the public to avoid the area of Amapola Avenue and 205th Street due to police activity.
“Following the incident, the suspect was taken into custody by Torrance police without further incident,” Ahmad said. “During the apprehension, the suspect made statements indicating he had placed two pipe bombs in the vicinity of 208 Street and Amapola Avenue.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called in to search the area and police said later in the morning that people should continue to avoid the immediate vicinity of 208th Street and Amapola Avenue.
An investigation was ongoing and anyone with information related to the attack and threats was urged to call them at 310-328-3456.
