Police: Boy, 12, stabbed trying to protect sister during fight

FRANKFORD (WPVI) -- Authorities say a 12-year-old boy was stabbed while trying to protect his sister during a fight in Philadelphia's Frankford section.

The incident was reported just before 4:00 p.m. Thursday at Mcilvain Park along Pratt and Saul streets.

Witnesses say the fight involved school students and included mostly girls and at least one boy.

"There were just screams and I would say maybe 25-50 kids," said Danielle Szydlik.

The victim was stabbed in the back. He was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital in stable condition.

According to police he attends nearby Zeigler Elementary School.

Szydlik runs an after-school program in the park and got the young kids in the program to safety and called 911.

Her co-worker did not want to be on camera but described the melee.

"It was a lot of blood on his back and a lot of girls and grown-ups standing around screaming," she said.

Police transported at least two witnesses, reported to be juveniles, in for questioning at Northeast Detectives.

Police tell Action News the students involved are from Zeigler Elementary, Frankford High and one other school.

No weapon has been recovered and no word on any arrests.

Police are looking for a teenage girl, who is believed to be the primary supsect.

There were no surveillance cameras at the part and police are asking for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia Police Northeast Detectives at 215-686-3150.