Youth dies after stabbing in Surrey secondary school parking lot

An 18-year-old man has died after being stabbed in the parking lot of Tamanawis Secondary School in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood.

Surrey RCMP Cpl. Vanessa Munn said a suspect is in custody. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has been called to assist in the case.

Emergency responders received multiple calls about the stabbing at 12:08 p.m. PT. The victim was transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, according to police.

The stabbing provoked a heavy police response at the school, which is located at 12600 66 Avenue, because it happened on school grounds during school hours.

"It elicits a large police response because the priority is ensuring the safety of everyone else at the school. The school was placed on a 'hold and secure' for a period of time until a possible suspect was taken into custody," said Munn. 

Police erected a white tent in the parking lot to preserve the crime scene, said Munn.

In a statement Tuesday, the acting principal of Tamanawis Secondary School said the person who died was not a member of the school community.

Ian McGennis said additional support was being provided for students who may have been affected or who may have seen the incident.

"Our school will have additional counselling supports available and we will be checking in with all students," he said.

Munn said police want to talk to students who witnessed the stabbing or who have cellphone video of the incident. She said investigators are working to determine if the two individuals were known to each other.

Anyone with information is asked to call IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or email [email protected].