A 15-year-old girl was stabbed Monday morning in a classroom at Monache High School, prompting a lockdown as police arrested a 19-year-old suspect nearby, authorities said.

Officers with the Porterville Police Department responded to reports of the stabbing around 8:13 a.m. and found the victim with a stab wound to her left leg. She was treated at the scene and taken to a hospital for further medical care, police said.

A responding officer spotted a man matching the suspect’s description walking near Prospect Street and Henderson Avenue, just blocks from the school.

Police said the man, identified as Noah Seratte, 19, of Porterville resident, was detained without incident and later confirmed as the suspect based on evidence from the scene.

Seratte was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, attempted homicide, and mayhem.

The school was placed on lockdown during the investigation to ensure the safety of students and staff. The lockdown has since been lifted, and the motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Police said they are working closely with Monache High School and the Porterville Unified School District as the investigation continues.

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