WEST DES MOINES – An Iowa school for troubled teens endured a flash of violence Tuesday when a child was hurt by a teen wielding scissors.
On May 20, 2025, shortly before noon, West Des Moines Police Department officers responded to Walnut Creek Campus located at 1020 8th Street for an assault with a weapon – reportedly, scissors. Officers arrived on scene and found a juvenile victim who was suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was treated and released at the school. Officers took a 16 year old student into custody. The alleged weapon was recovered.
The 16 year old is being charged with the following offenses:
-Willful injury causing bodily injury (D felony)
-Going armed with intent (D felony)
-Possession of a controlled substance (Serious Misdemeanor)
The 16-year-old was transported to Polk County Juvenile Detention. A ‘shelter in place’ status at the school lasted for over a half an hour over the noon time frame.
“We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the public,” police said afterward. “West Des Moines Police will continue to investigate.”