A midweek scare at Pleasant Plains Elementary in Towson brought medical crews, police, and hazmat teams racing to campus yesterday, after a school bus returned to the school following what officials described as an onboard pepper-spray exposure. Hazmat units checked and cleared the bus and parts of the building while staff evaluated students and adults. Officials said about 11 people were examined for inhalation effects, with no reports of life-threatening injuries.
SKY 11 Capt. Roy Taylor told WBAL NewsRadio that the bus turned back to Pleasant Plains, where Baltimore County police and medical crews met it. Taylor said hazmat teams later cleared the scene and that roughly 11 people were checked out for possible pepper-spray inhalation. Authorities did not immediately announce any arrests or hospital transports.
BCPS rules and possible consequences
According to Baltimore County Public Schools' student handbook, possession or use of a "pepper spray product" is listed as a Category III offense that can carry serious penalties, including long suspensions or expulsion, under the district's discipline code. The student handbook also notes that school buses are equipped with video and audio cameras to assist with investigations and that administrators follow Board policies when determining any discipline.
Not the first bus exposure this month
Earlier this month, another Baltimore County school bus was affected when pepper spray was discharged on a vehicle headed to Vincent Farm Elementary. About 14 students were taken to a hospital as a precaution, WBAL reported. Investigators in that case told reporters they believed the discharge was accidental after a student found the canister before getting on the bus.
What parents should know
School officials and police are reminding families to talk with children about not picking up unknown items and to notify an adult or call 911 if they see something suspicious. Parents with questions were directed to contact Pleasant Plains Elementary through the school website or main office. Contact details for families and guardians are listed on the Pleasant Plains Elementary page.
