Police seek attempted murder charge in school attack

MONTROSE — A 14-year-old boy accused of slashing a Montrose High School girl on Tuesday is being held on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder.

"That's what we're recommending. This fits the crime," Montrose Police Chief Tom Chinn said.

Chinn stressed that formal charges are up to the district attorney. There might be additional charges, or different ones, pending the DA's decision.

At the high school Tuesday, Mallory Haulman, 17, was coming into the school's main hall when she was reportedly attacked from behind with a straight-edged weapon police say was wielded by the boy.

Mallory, the daughter of a Daily Press employee, was seriously injured but is expected to recover.

The boy was arrested a few blocks from the scene. No court date has been announced.

Chinn said the Montrose Police investigators consider the assault premeditated. That doesn't necessarily mean the suspect knew Mallory.

"We believe this case certainly fits that statute," he said. "We're still investigating."