The Town of Seneca Falls Police Department says it has seen a rise in violent altercations involving children.
Police say a juvenile was stabbed on Tuesday during an altercation near Canal and Center streets. They underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries.
Seneca Falls PD says this is the third juvenile stabbing the department has investigated in the past four months. Officials say an increase in youth congregating overnight in public areas has also raised public safety concerns.
In a statement released Wednesday, Police Chief Timothy Snyder spoke of his concern for the rise in these violent incidents, saying that keeping children safe is their top priority:
“The recent incidents involving our youth are deeply concerning and require a community-wide response. The safety and well-being of our young people remain our highest priority, and we do not want to see another child seriously injured—or worse—because of an altercation that could have been prevented.
Our officers will continue to maintain a visible presence throughout the community, engaging with juveniles during the evening hours and helping ensure they are safe. When appropriate, officers may contact parents or guardians if a juvenile is out late at night without a clear or legitimate reason. These interactions are not about punishment—they are about prevention, safety, and making sure our young people get home safely.
We encourage parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of violence, the consequences of poor decisions, and the importance of making responsible choices. Keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility. By working together—as parents, schools, community members, and law enforcement—we can help prevent future incidents and protect the next generation.”