UPDATE: This article was updated with additional information provided by Henrico Fire.
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A second grader at a Henrico County elementary school brought pepper spray to class Monday and accidentally discharged it, resulting in an evacuation.
According to a Henrico County Public Schools spokesperson, the unidentified Glen Lea Elementary School student brought pepper spray into their classroom on March 11. At some point during the morning, the pepper spray was “inadvertently discharged.”
The classroom was evacuated following the accident and all students received medical attention. Additionally, both Henrico Police and Henrico Fire-EMS units were contacted, according to the spokesperson. They assisted in the treatment of the students.
According to a spokesperson for Henrico Fire, its units saw a total of 17 staff and students. All only had minor irritations and no one needed to be taken to the hospital.
No other classrooms were affected, though they did go into “lock and teach” until the situation was fully resolved, according to the spokesperson. Regular school activities resumed for all at this time.
“Unfortunately, this is a reminder that we need to be very aware of what our children are bringing to school,” an email sent to parents by Glen Lea Elementary administration reads. “Obviously, an item like pepper spray is something that is strictly prohibited. Please have a conversation with your child about why such things should never be brought to school.”
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.
