EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence High School went into lockdown just after noontime on Thursday, Oct. 19, after a stabbing incident occurred inside the building.

Students and staff sheltered in place after police responded to the scene at approximately 12:15 p.m.

(Updated, 2:35 p.m., 4 p.m., 9 p.m., October 19) The campus remained that way until the usual dismissal time at about 1:45 p.m. 

Initial reports indicated one male student is alleged to have stabbed another male in the chest in a bathroom on the second floor of the four-story structure. That was confirmed later in the day.

The incident is also alleged to have began as an altercation over a vape, an electric cigarette.  The two students are believed to be athletes and were known to each other prior to the incident. The potential for a confrontation between those involved had allegedly been building prior to Thursday.

East Providence Police officers and investigators remained on the scene as the campus was cleared.

Public safety officials have the alleged assailant in custody, a 17-year-old student.

The victim, 16 and also a student, was treated on the scene and transported to hospital in stable, but serious condition. His wounds required surgery, which took place the evening of the incident. The boy was said  to be in "good spirits" by a staff member who  received an update on the situation after the procedure was completed.

School and city officials declined to comment on the implement used during the incident, nor would they confirm either how or why it occurred.

Officials added there would be an increased police presence at the school on Friday and that a review of security practices would be conducted.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sandra Forand called Thursday's event, a "one-off incident," while East Providence Police Chief Chris Francesconi said early indications were only the victim and suspect were involved. 

Of note as well, all indications were the physical security measures put into place with the construction of the new building, now in its third term of operation, worked flawlessly. All doors and stairwells locked when activated.

After-school events on campus Thursday were canceled, but sports teams with away contests were permitted to play including girls' tennis at Exeter-West Greenwich, cross country in Burrillville and freshmen football in Warwick against Bishop Hendricken.