Pepper Spray DUMMY
Published 4:46 pm Thursday, January 25, 2024
A High Desert Middle School student released pepper spray in a crowded school hallway Thursday afternoon, prompting school officials to call police and emergency medical responders.
The incident occurred while students were heading back from lunch, Principal Jessica Reilly said in a message to families Thursday afternoon.
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School staff quickly cleared the hallways, but multiple students and staff were “directly affected” and were immediately evaluated by a school nurse and emergency medical technicians, Principal Jessica Reilly said in a message to families Thursday afternoon.
Bend-La Pine Schools spokesman Scott Maben said he didn’t know further details, including whether the incidental was intentional, accidental or just kids playing around. He said school staff are still investigating.
“Of course, it caused a disruption to some level,” Maben said.
A school nurse provided a saline solution to students to rinse out their eyes and advised students to rinse their hands and arms and shower, Reilly said. School staff directed students to use a different route to get to the cafeteria for the next lunch period.
“Noxious or irritating gasses, such as pepper spray, are not permitted within our school, and any student who brings pepper spray to school is subject to school disciplinary action,” Reilly said.
Reilly said students responded “immediately and appropriately” to the incident and added that “everyone affected is unharmed.”
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Reilly said the incident may have caused some students to be late for lunch, but noted that it wouldn’t affect their attendance.