Dartmouth stabbing may have been pre-arranged altercation, police say

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) – Officials say an altercation between two teenagers at the Dartmouth Mall over the weekend may have been prearranged.

The Dartmouth Police Department said a 16-year-old was stabbed and another arrested following the incident Sunday in the mall parking lot outside Five Below.

Police said officers responded to reports of a stabbing around 2:50 p.m.

Authorities said they arrived and found a 16-year-old New Bedford man suffering from non-life-threatening stab wounds.

A second 16-year-old Fall River man was found at Lowe's on Faunce Corner Mall Road after fleeing the scene on a bicycle, officials said.

Both were taken to the hospital and charged with battery with a dangerous weapon.

An investigation revealed that the altercation may have been organized in advance on social media.

Police said the incident remains under investigation, adding that additional charges could result from the findings.