RED SPRINGS — A teenage student at Red Springs High School was slashed on the neck with a box cutter while fighting with another girl on Wednesday.

Police Chief Troy McDuffie said the incident happened about noon when one of the girls, 17-year-old Cierra James, pulled a box cutter and slashed the 15-year-old across her neck.

“The cut was along her neck; not her throat, but the cut was pretty severe,” McDuffie said.

McDuffie said this morning it was his understanding that the girl had been treated and released from a hospital. Al Kahn, a spokesman for the Public Schools of Robeson County, confirmed that the girl was released from Southeastern Regional Medical Center.

The 15-year-old’s name was not released because she is a juvenile.

McDuffie said he did not know what led to the altercation, but Kahn said there was a verbal confrontation between the two girls on Tuesday. He said the 15-year-old threw a punch at James during lunch. James then drew the box cutter and cut the girl’s neck. Both students are being recommended for long-term suspension, Kahn said.

McDuffie said he did now know how James got the box cutter past the school’s metal detectors.

James was charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and having a weapon on school property.

“This is a problem that has been going on for a long time,” McDuffie said, referring to altercations between students. “I know that kids mouth off at each other, but it is much more serious when they bring box cutters like this girl did.”

James was released into the custody of her parents Wednesday.

McDuffie did not say whether the 15-year-old would face charges.

“The investigation is not complete and I can’t say whether additional charges will be filed,” he said. “We are looking at doing some forums, in cooperation with the school, between the students and the school resource officer.”