Porterville teacher honored for saving student from stabbing suspect

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A teacher who protected his student from “what could have been a devastating tragedy” was honored on Tuesday by the Porterville City Council.

“I just remember grabbing the chair and just bolting across the classroom,” said Robert Sundre, a music teacher at Monache High School. “I’m glad my adrenaline is where it was…. I honestly didn’t think, all I knew was that kid had to be out of the classroom, and everything else was just reaction.”

On May 19, Sundre was in his class when police say 19-year-old Noah Seratte walked through the door and stabbed a 15-year-old student at random. Sundre stepped in, getting Seratte out of the room and providing medical aid to the bleeding girl.

“I had a chair in front of me like a lion tamer or something, and I was just rushing them as fast as I could,” Sundre said. “He saw me and he dropped the knife and started running. And then, according to the vice principal, I ran after him for about 40 feet.”

Police say if he had not intervened, the outcome could have been much worse.

“Quick thinking, courage, and selfless actions prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy to our community. In the face of immediate danger and threat, Mr. Sundre intervened and stopped a violent incident, protecting the lives and safety of our students and staff,” police said.

Sundre was presented with a life-saving plaque. Police, fire personnel, and school staff who helped secure the campus and provided medical care were also recognized for their actions and presented with certificates of appreciation.

The victim and her family were also presented with a plaque of courage.