A student at Oak Park and River Forest High School who was involved in a lunchtime altercation discharged some pepper spray causing the school to be put on a short term stay in place order and prompted an investigation by Oak Park police.
“During the 6th hour lunch, there was a conflict between two students in the Commons area, in front of the Student Activities Center,” stated a message the school sent out to parents early Wednesday afternoon. “As a result of this conflict, one student discharged pepper spray, exposing students and employees in the area. No one was directly hit by the pepper spray, but exposure can cause eye and skin irritation, as well as respiratory distress.”
A school spokeswoman said no injuries were reported in the incident.
“There was no need for EMS, nor reports to the nurses office,” the spokeswoman said in a text message. “Police did come to the school and spoke with the people involved.”
The message sent to parents indicated the “hold,” was instituted “out of an abundance of caution.” During a hold, teachers close and lock their classroom doors and everyone stays in place until the hold is lifted, officials said. The message from the school said the hold was instituted to minimize the number of people exposed to the pepper spray. The hold lasted for approximately 20 minutes according to the spokeswoman.
Oak Park Police are investigating the incident.
Bob Skolnik is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
