Teen accused of stabbing cousin at football game

A witness told police that Daron Carpenter was involved in an ongoing dispute with the victim.

Charges have been filed against a 17-year-old arrested Sunday for a stabbing at a youth football game at Ringgold High School.

Daron Carpenter of Monongahela is charged with criminal attempt – criminal homicide, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon on school property, court records state. According to an affidavit of probable cause, a Ringgold police officer assigned to the event saw a crowd start to form near the home side steps near halftime. The victim, who has not been identified, was on the ground and a male who identified himself as a fire chief was holding a shirt to the victim’s stomach and applying pressure to the wound.

Court records state that the victim was awake and breathing as school police contacted Washington County Dispatch for assistance. First responders were called to Joe Montana Stadium around 1:35 p.m.

People in the crowd told police that 19-year-old Brayden Ogletree, was stabbed and another male was involved. They pointed to the blacktop concession area, according to the criminal complaint.

Witnesses were interviewed by Pennsylvania State Police from Belle Vernon and Washington as well as Carroll Township Police. They described the attacker as a light-skinned black male with a small afro wearing black jeans and a big belt.

According to the criminal complaint, additional witnesses observed portions of the incident and have yet to be interviewed.

Another male, Dylan Clancy, was detained at the scene. He told police the victim is his brother and Carpenter is his cousin. He added that they recently had a falling out and were not getting along.

Court records state that Clancy said Carpenter sat down with him and his brother. Carpenter wanted to work out their issues in the bathroom, and the victim agreed.

They were walking toward the bathroom when Carpenter allegedly turned around and started punching the victim. During the fight, the victim said, “He poked me” and held his stomach as Carpenter walked away.

The officer went over to the concession area, where witnesses pointed out Carpenter, he was sitting in a chair, was told to get up to put his hands behind his back and was placed into custody.

Court records state that responding officers were provided the knife by a coach. The stainless steel knife — gray, snakeskin-patterned with a fourinch blade — was secured by authorities and had blood on it.

The coach stated that he saw the commotion, moved toward the fight to break it up and heard from Carpenter that he thought someone was going to jump him. He told police that Carpenter said, “I’m not running.”

Because of the ongoing investigation, all Ringgold School District schools were closed Monday, Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich announced Sunday.

School buildings remained open and counseling services were offered for students.

“Our thoughts are with all who have been affected,” Skrinjorich said in the statement. “We are committed to ensuring that our community is safe within our schools and will continue to collaborate with officials during this active investigation.”

Ogletree was flown to Allegheny General Hospital. His condition was unknown as of press time Monday.

The Washington County District Attorney’s office confirmed to our news partners at WTAE that Carpenter is being charged as an adult. He was arraigned at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

A preliminary hearing for Carpenter before Magisterial District Judge Mark Wilson is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 18. He is being held in Washington County Prison unable to post a $50,000 bond.