CABELL COUNTY, W.Va.. (WSAZ) – A man accused of stabbing an elementary school principal Thursday appeared before a Cabell County Magistrate Judge Friday morning.

Joshua Collins, 43, of Huntington, is accused of stabbing South Point Elementary School principal Bill Christian.

The violent incident occurred on Thursday, October 24.

Collins was booked into Western Regional Jail at 7:45 p.m. Thursday after being released from a hospital in Huntington.

Collins is awaiting extradition to Lawrence County, Ohio, but must appear before a Cabell County Circuit Judge for an extradition hearing.

WSAZ learned Friday morning that the process could take two to three weeks.

According to new details released by law enforcement, Collins first stopped by the school’s front office on Thursday, where he was greeted by Principal Christian in the hallway just outside the office door.

Deputies say Collins is upset about child custody. While the two were talking, deputies say Collins pulled out a knife and stabbed Christian in the neck and upper torso.

The manager then ran into the office through a locked door, according to deputies. But deputies say Collins then entered the office by breaking the door window.

Collins ran after the principal into the office and then into the cafeteria, where he was confronted by a South Point police officer and arrested.

The school nurse began treating Principal Christian before taking him to the hospital for treatment. At the last check-up, his condition was seen to be serious.

Deputies said Collins’ arms were cut during the incident and he was also taken to the hospital in Huntington.

Deputies said Collins will face charges when he returns to Lawrence County, Ohio, and additional charges will be filed in the case.

The school was quarantined during the incident. No children were injured.

Following the incident, school was closed at South Point Elementary School on Friday.

It was stated that Christian’s condition in the hospital was stable but serious.

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