Former student stabs 3 staff members at Torrance, California, school

The stabbings took place at Switzer Learning Center, a school for special need students; the injuries to staff members were not life-threatening, authorities say.
Oct. 13, 2025
2 min read

Key Highlights

  • The suspect, a former student, was taken into custody without incident.
  • The suspect claimed to have planted pipe bombs, but no devices were found.
  • The injuries to victims were said to be non-life-threatening.

A former student at a Torrance, California, special education school has been arrested after allegedly stabbing three staff members at the school.

ABC News reports that the incident happened at Switzer Learning Center, a nonpublic school that specializes in educating students with learning differences, according to the school's website.

Two of the victims were rushed to a hospital; A news release later said their injuries were not life-threatening. A third victim was treated at the scene by Torrance Fire Department paramedics. 

Torrance police said the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. After his arrest, he told authorities that he had planted pipe bombs in the vicinity. 

Investigators found two  incendiary devices were found and rendered safe by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad.

The suspect's identity has not been disclosed.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates