HOUSTON -- A fellow classmate stabbed a student at a southwest Houston high school Friday morning, police told KPRC Local 2.

Officers with the Bellaire Police Department and the Houston Independent School District's Police Department said a student at Bellaire High School, 5100 Maple St., was stabbed several times at about 8:40 a.m.

Bellaire police said the stabbing happened in a stairwell inside the school before class started. The victim, whose name and age have not been released, was stabbed in his arm, side and possibly in his leg.

A teacher found the injured student and called officials while Bellaire police took the alleged attacker, a 15-year-old freshman student, into custody.

Bellaire Principal Tim Salem said the incident is crushing.

"I'm always disappointed when we have an event like this. What I am very comforted by is how immediately we can respond and how immediately we can give assistance and maintain order," Salem said.

Concerned parents rushed to the school worried about their kids after learning of the violent attack.

Parent Carol Burns told KPRC Local 2 that, sadly, this is a sign of the times.

"I think nowadays you have to be on your toes and watch out for yourself and your kids no matter where you go. That's just the day and age that it is right now," Burns said.

School officials said even though technology helps secure students while on campus, there is no efficient way of scanning all 3,400 students on a daily basis.

The victim was transported to Ben Taub Hospital. His condition has not been released, but school officials said he was alert and conscious when he was loaded into an ambulance.

Police said the stabbing suspect has been charged with aggravated assault. Because of the suspect's age, his identity has not been released.