A routine Wednesday morning ride to Vincent Farm Elementary turned tense in White Marsh when pepper spray went off on a school bus, sending 14 elementary school students to a hospital as a precaution, according to police.
Officers were called to the 6000 block of Ebenezer Road at about 9:35 a.m., where the students were checked out and then evaluated at a nearby hospital, authorities said.
What Police Say Happened
Baltimore County police say someone brought a can of pepper spray onto the bus, and it was discharged while the vehicle was on its way to Vincent Farm Elementary. About 14 students were evaluated at an area hospital as a precaution, according to WBAL-TV. The bus was headed to the school when the exposure occurred, police said.
Police Call It Accidental
Detective Trae Corbin said investigators do not believe anyone set out to hurt students.
"We have been able to determine that this was not done maliciously, that this was an accidental incident," Corbin said. Investigators believe a student found the pepper spray before getting on the bus, according to WBAL-TV.
Corbin urged parents to talk with their children about what to do when they see something that does not look right, emphasizing that kids should not pick up unfamiliar items and should alert an adult or call 911 if they spot something suspicious.
School Info and Resources
Vincent Farm Elementary lists its address as 6019 Ebenezer Road in White Marsh on the school website, along with contact information for families. The school is reminding parents to talk to students about avoiding unknown objects and reporting anything that seems off, according to Vincent Farm Elementary.
What’s Next
Baltimore County police say the investigation into how the pepper spray ended up on the bus and was discharged is ongoing. No arrests or charges were immediately announced.
Families with questions or concerns have been directed to reach out to Vincent Farm Elementary or the Baltimore County Police Department for updates.
