A Columbia River High School student is facing an attempted murder allegation after he allegedly attacked another male student for dating his former girlfriend, according to court records.
Christopher G. Philbrook, 17, of Vancouver appeared Friday in Clark County Superior Court on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder. Philbrook is accused of striking another student in the head with an extendable metal baton at the Hazel Dell school Thursday morning.
Philbrook will be charged as an adult based on his age and the nature of the allegation. Judge Scott Collier found there was probable cause to hold Philbrook. He is being housed at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center for now.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the school resource officer was advised by administration of an assault that occurred at about 11 a.m. between Philbrook and another 17-year-old male student. Philbrook was in the counselor’s office, and the victim was being seen by the school nurse for a laceration on the top of his head.
A 16-year-old female student who witnessed the attack told the officer that she and Philbrook used to date, the affidavit said. She said they broke up last month, and she has been dating the victim. The girl said she and the victim were standing in the hall during lunch when Philbrook confronted them about dating. He reportedly said, “I’m gonna come back and kill you!” court records show.
Philbrook walked away from the couple a few steps, but then reached into his pocket and pulled out an extendable baton, the girl said. Philbrook hit the teen several times in the head, she said.
The victim told police he was struck about three times in the head. He said he also put up his hands to defend himself and was injured.
He was subsequently taken to a hospital, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. His injuries were not life-threatening.
The officer then watched video surveillance footage from the school, and it showed Philbrook confront the couple, take a few steps back and reach into his jacket for something, the affidavit said. He’s seen holding something in his right hand, later determined by police to be the baton, and then striking the victim in the head at least three times, court records said.
Philbrook tossed the weapon in a nearby ravine, according to the sheriff’s office. Volunteers from local search-and-rescue organizations combed the wooded ravine and found the weapon in the underbrush.
The Major Crimes Team is investigating due to the severity of the attack.
On Friday, Collier appointed defense attorney Jeff Sowder to represent Philbrook and set his bail at $60,000. He has no prior criminal history, according to the prosecution.
Philbrook is not to have contact with either of the other students involved. Deputy Prosecutor Michael Vaughn said Philbrook may be facing a felony harassment charge, as well.
He will be arraigned Feb. 23.
