A 15-year-old boy is being held as a suspect in a fatal stabbing at an elementary school playground in Grand Rapids, Minn., police said Wednesday.

The incident, which left a 20-year-old Grand Rapids woman dead of a knife wound, took place after dark, Grand Rapids Police Chief Scott Johnson said, adding that police believe the stabbing stemmed from a drug deal gone bad.

According to a statement released by the Grand Rapids police, officers responded at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a stabbing at Murphy Elementary School. When they arrived, they found a 15-year-old Grand Rapids boy standing on the playground holding a knife. On the ground next to him was the victim, unconscious with a stab wound in her abdomen.

Officers tried to resuscitate the woman and she was brought to Grand Itasca Hospital, where she died of her wound.

Johnson said drugs were found at the scene and police believe the incident isn't related to the school.

"We believe this meeting was arranged by these two people," he said. "The public is not in danger."

The 15-year-old was arrested and an investigation continues. Johnson said it would be up to County Attorney Matti Adam to decide whether the suspect will be charged as an adult. Adam was not available for comment Wednesday.

John Reinan • 612-673-7402