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San Diego resident Jake Wascher, 21, is facing charges that include first-degree assault and criminal attempt to commit murder following an incident on campus over the weekend that led to a temporary lockdown.
The lockdown, and scare on campus happened on a day when future students and parents were at the University of Hartford for an “accepted students day” event.
Wascher and two other students were at a campus apartment when the stabbing happened, police said. Both were transported to area hospitals - one in critical condition, the other stable - for treatment on wounds suffered as the three reportedly acted out a scene from a movie for a class assignment.
Both students suffered stab wounds to their chest and back, police noted. Wascher initially fled the apartment on foot before being apprehended. He was later treated for non-life-threatening injuries as a precaution.
“We are deeply saddened by the serious incident involving the assault of two students on campus this afternoon,” the University posted in a statement. “The injured students were immediately transported to area hospitals for treatment and law enforcement secured campus. A third student (Wascher) was located off-campus and has been taken into police custody. Our thoughts are with these students and their families during this difficult time.
"While there is no ongoing threat to campus, we recognize that this isolated incident is frightening and unsettling. The University will provide counseling services to members of our campus community in need of support or assistance. We will continue to work closely with the Hartford Police Department in their ongoing investigation.”
Wascher was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, April 1 and is currently being held on a $1 million bail.
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