Falls Church’s George Mason High and Henderson Middle School were on lockdown today while police searched for an assailant involved in a stabbing incident nearby.

According to the F.C. Public Information Office, an altercation occurred at the intersection of Grove Avenue and the W&OD Trail where the victim was stabbed in the hand. The victim was moved to an area hospital and the lockdown was lifted at the schools around 3:25 p.m.

A statement from City officials said “Throughout the incident. police were in communication with City schools, and out of an abundance of caution, a decision was made to hold students and delay dismissal to ensure their safety as they returned home. Officers were stationed at both George Mason High School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School during that time as well.”

Police have since cleared the area and schools have been dismissed. The suspect is still at large in the ongoing investigation and police ask anyone with information to call them at 703-241-5053.

Because of the delayed release at the high school, some buses may be running 15-20 minutes behind schedule, a note on the school’s web site said.