21-04-2025
‘I don't want it swept under the rug': F-M father speaks out after son is threatened with knife
MANLIUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — As students head back to the classroom today from spring break, a Fayetteville-Manlius father hopes a dangerous encounter his son experienced gets brought back into the spotlight and back in front of school leaders.
Jason Held said his 15-year-old son was threatened with a knife ten days ago inside a bathroom at Fayetteville-Manlius High School.
While the other student now faces three misdemeanor charges, the father worries the district and the police department are downplaying the situation.
A message sent to F-M families on Friday, April 11, reads in part, 'This afternoon, apparently after a verbal altercation was diffused, an FM student was found to be in possession of a knife.'
A news release from the Town of Manlius Police used similar language the same day, adding, 'A 15-year-old FM student was found in possession of a knife. No one was injured in the incident.'
Held said his 15-year-old son, a ninth grader, is the one who was threatened. He said the phrase 'possession of a knife' doesn't capture the seriousness of what happened.
'According to my son, he had it held with the blade face toward him, and they were about an arm's length away, and reared and jabbed it directly toward his chest,' Held said.
The knife never made contact, and no one was hurt. But Held said his son feared for his life.
'That's my baby boy. I don't want anything to happen to him,' Held continued.
The Town of Manlius Police Department said it worked with the district and consulted with the district attorney's office regarding the incident.
The other student, who is also 15, is now facing three misdemeanors, including menacing in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was also issued a family court appearance ticket.
Held doesn't think misdemeanor charges go far enough.
'I'm angry, I'm scared. I don't want this to go away cleanly; I don't want it swept under the rug,' Held added.
A lieutenant with the town of Manlius Police Department tells us the father's concerns, along with the 'totality of the complete investigation was forwarded to Family Court for their action.' He went on to say, 'The charges were based upon the facts and circumstances of the investigation.'
In response to Held's concerns, Fayetteville-Manlius Superintendent Dr. Craig Tice tells NewsChannel 9: 'The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. The district is committed to providing a secure learning environment and ensuring that individuals adhere to the Code of Conduct designed to protect the school community. While we cannot discuss student disciplinary actions, the incident is being handled according to the Code of Conduct and state law. As always, families are encouraged to discuss personal safety with their children and remind them to report any concerns to a trusted adult.'
Over the weekend, Held said he got confirmation that he'd be meeting with the principal Monday morning. He's also planning on attending Monday night's school board meeting.
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