A West Virginia University (WVU) student is recovering after being stabbed during a Friday night altercation in Morgantown, while another student has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
The Morgantown Police Department responded to a report of a fight shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Friday evening in the 500 block of Price Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a male victim suffering from a stab wound to the leg. Emergency services quickly transported the student to receive medical treatment, and he is reportedly on the path to recovery.
Police arrested 21-year-old Kaden James Vinar, of Champlin, Minnesota, and charged him with felony malicious wounding. The charge was formally filed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, where Vinar has since been arraigned. Authorities say the victim and the suspect knew each other and that the stabbing took place during a visit between the two.
University Police Department Chief Sherry St. Clair confirmed that the incident occurred off-campus but involved students of the university. She emphasized that it was an isolated case and that the prompt response by law enforcement ensured there was no ongoing threat to the broader campus community.
“The quick response from our officers to locate the suspect and take him into custody ensured this remained an isolated incident,” said Chief St. Clair. “At no point was there a threat to campus and, for that, our officers are to be commended.”
According to initial reports, there was a dispute between the two individuals before the situation escalated to violence. Details on what caused the argument remain limited as the investigation continues. However, authorities have indicated that both individuals were acquainted, which helped officers quickly identify and apprehend the suspect.
The University has not released the name of the victim, citing privacy concerns, but officials have offered support and counseling services for anyone impacted by the event. Campus leaders are urging students to seek peaceful ways to handle conflict and to utilize available university resources when tensions arise.
“We always encourage our students and other members of the University community to work on healthy ways to resolve conflicts,” St. Clair added.
This incident has reignited conversations about student safety, even in off-campus settings. Although the event did not occur on university grounds, it underscores the importance of emotional health and conflict resolution strategies among young adults.
WVU’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students, both on and off campus. Resources such as the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services remain available for those in need of mental health support or crisis intervention.
As of now, Kaden Vinar remains in the legal process, and further court proceedings are expected. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the altercation to determine whether additional charges or actions are necessary.
Meanwhile, the university community hopes for a full recovery for the injured student and a continued commitment to peace and safety among peers.
