LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) – The man accused of stabbing an elementary school principal made his first appearance in an Ohio courtroom Friday morning.

Eight days ago, deputies say Joshua Collins violently attacked South Point Elementary School Principal Bill Christian with a knife after they said he was upset over a child custody issue.

According to a criminal complaint, on Monday, Oct. 21, just three days before the stabbing, Collins showed up at school to drop off his child’s medication, but began acting strangely, out of character and aggressive toward school staff.

Security at the school was beefed up that afternoon because investigators say there is concern that Collins may pose a threat to himself and others at the school.

Just three days later, investigators say Collins showed up at the school and stabbed the principal multiple times.

Collins had to be taken to hospital after the incident for cuts to his arms. He had to cross state lines for treatment, which complicated the legal process.

Once he was released from the West Virginia hospital, he was booked into the Western Regional Jail.

Since then, he has made several appearances in West Virginia’s Cabell County court and was arraigned on a fugitive from justice charge last Friday.

On Tuesday, he waived extradition in circuit court, voluntarily choosing to return to Lawrence County, Ohio, to face charges there.

On November 1, Collins was charged with attempted murder and felonious assault.

He also faces charges of threatening to harass and harassing by telecommunication.

Collins’ bond was set at $2 million.

His preliminary hearing will take place on November 5 at 11:00 am

This is a developing story.

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