Pepper Spray Incident Investigated at Lake Zurich High School

A chemical similar to pepper spray was sprayed into the air at Lake Zurich High School on Dec. 20, causing two students to be transported to Advocate Good Shepard Hospital.

The Lake Zurich Police Department is investigating the incident which occurred at  2:40 p.m. The chemical was sprayed into the B wing of Lake Zurich High School. Several students were affected by the spray which made them cough, police stated.

Police said the chemical was sprayed into the air and not directed at any specific individual. No one has been charged in the incident and police are continuing to investigate.

A chemical agent such as pepper spray is an inflammatory agent usually sprayed into the eyes of a resistive subject in order to restrain the person. The spray may cause difficulty breathing, it might make people cough and it could result in a runny nose.

Pepper spray is primarily used by law enforcement but is also used by private citizens in self-defense. The effects of the spray if sprayed directly into the eyes can last 30-45 minutes.

The Lake Zurich Police Department encourages all individuals to report any suspicious incidents to police and / or school officials.  All incidents involving public safety are thoroughly investigated.

Anyone wishing to report a suspicious incident or individual can contact the Lake Zurich Police Department at 911 for emergencies or 847-438-2349 for non-emergencies.