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Arrest In Stabbing At Las Cruces Area High School

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police have arrested the 16-year-old believed to be responsible for Monday afternoon's altercation at Onate High School that left another student with a stab wound to his abdomen.

Johnny David Dennis was arrested Monday and is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon on school premises and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dennis was booked into the juvenile section of the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

At around 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, shortly after classes were dismissed for the day, Las Cruces Police learned of an on-campus altercation between two Onate students. Police discovered that the altercation resulted in a 16-year-old receiving at least one stab wound.

The victim was initially taken to the school's office and was subsequently flown to University Medical Center of El Paso. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Investigators learned that Dennis and the victim are members of rival gangs and the two had a verbal disagreement during Monday's lunch hour. Investigators believe the two agreed to meet after school to fight each other.

As classes were dismissed for the day, Dennis waited near the buses for the victim to arrive. As the victim approached, Dennis pulled out a butterfly-type knife and stabbed the other student once in the stomach. A Las Cruces Police school resource officer was nearby and broke up the fight. The knife was recovered by the officer and Dennis was immediately taken into custody.

Officers also found Dennis in possession of a glass pipe used for smoking marijuana which he acknowledge doing earlier in the day.