Local

Gang affiliations blamed in brawl that ended with Deltona student's stabbing

DELTONA, Fla. — Deputies said a student was stabbed during a fight Friday morning outside Deltona High School.

Channel 9’s Blaine Tolison learned a 20-year-old gang member was walking a girl to school when a student gang member started arguing with him. Authorities said the man then stabbed the student.

Deputies arrested Benjamin Barber, who admitted to stabbing the 16-year-old student just off campus at the Grace Baptist Church.

According to Barber's arrest report, he told deputies he had "beef" with the student over their gang affiliations. He said he was also upset about the treatment of a girl they both know.

Barber claims the student lunged at him, so he pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed him.

Barber was charged with aggravated assault in the case. His arrest record includes child abuse, carrying a concealed weapon and a list of burglary and grand theft charges.

Officials said they have not had gangs in schools but if they're in the community, then it's still a serious problem.

The incident happened near the same high school where two students were arrested Thursday on charges of bringing a loaded gun to school.

Deputies arrested Eric Graham, 16 and Curtis Peterson, 17, after Graham had the gun in his backpack, authorities said.

But, police said, Peterson later admitted the gun was his and that he bought it in Sanford for protection in his neighborhood.

The school district said there was a deputy at the school Thursday, and that there is one at the school every day.