FCC student stabbed after welding class argument

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A student is recovering Friday at the hospital after a stabbing at Fresno City College.

The incident happened just as a welding class was about to start.

The suspect is still in custody and will need to get clearance from administrators before he can come back on campus. Investigators say the stabbing stemmed from two students arguing in class.

At 6 p.m. Thursday night nearly 30 students were standing in class getting ready for night welding class when two students began to argue.

"The argument was taken outside where it resulted in a physical confrontation," Lt. Shannon Ayello with the State Center Police Department said. "With that physical altercation, one student was taken to CRMC with significant injuries."

The victim was stabbed in the chest with a knife. The suspect, 51-year old Willie Jenkins, was taken into custody for assault with a deadly weapon. He also had a warrant out for his arrest for a misdemeanor DUI.

"We don't want students to have to come to school and witness that kind of thing," Ayello said. "Obviously, it disrupts the classroom, and it disrupts the chances of students getting their education started."

The victim is expected to make a full recovery.

Authorities say the isolated incident never put other students at risk and they believe Fresno City College is still safe.

The stabbing comes just two weeks after a student walking in the parking lot one morning was attacked and beaten by two men who wanted his backpack.

"Incidents, major incidents like a stabbing or the incident that happened in the parking lot a couple weeks ago shouldn't happen especially with the fully dedicated police force," student Erik Perez said.

Most students we talked to were shocked by the crime.

They said they feel safe on campus but think there needs to be more officers out near classrooms.

"I feel like if it wouldn't have happened if we had more police walking around," Sam Orozco said. "We need more police we're living in a dangerous time right now."