A vaping incident at Gibbs High School in Knox County turned into a health scare Tuesday morning, sending three students for medical attention and prompting a law enforcement response on campus, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they were called to the school after students used vape pens on campus. Three of those students were evaluated and required medical care, while classes carried on as normal. The sheriff’s office collected the vape devices and said an investigation is underway.
Deputies told WBIR that five students used two vape pens, and three of them ended up needing medical attention. Investigators said they seized the vapes and plan to test them for THC as part of the probe.
The incident unfolded around 9 a.m., according to a message sent to families by Knox County Schools Director of Communications Carly Harrington and Gibbs principal Jason Webster, reported by WVLT. “I want to make you aware that there was a health concern involving several of our students at school today,” Webster wrote. The district told families that instruction continued on a normal schedule.
District Rules And Possible Discipline
Vaping is not a minor rule-break in Knox County Schools. The district’s discipline code treats possession or use of vaping devices as a misbehavior that can bring suspension, counseling or other disciplinary action.
The policy specifically lists “Possession or Use of Tobacco Products (including electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and products/nicotine devices and products)” as an offense that may result in suspension, according to Knox County Schools discipline guidelines.
Why Officials Are On Alert
State and local officials have repeatedly warned that teen vaping is not just a fad but a public-health concern, citing the risks of nicotine exposure and the possibility that vape devices may contain THC or other substances.
A 2025 report from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations documented elevated teen vaping rates across the state and recommended steps to cut down youth use, according to TACIR. Nearby districts have also reported THC vape incidents, including an uptick at Roane County High School that in some cases required ambulance responses, per WSAZ.
Next Steps In The Probe
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office said it will test the confiscated vape pens for THC and release more information once results are available, according to WBIR. School officials said they would continue contacting the families of the students involved and follow district procedures while the investigation plays out.
Legal And Disciplinary Implications
Under the district code, students found with vaping devices can face suspension and referral to support services. Whether any criminal charges are brought will depend on what the tests reveal and how law enforcement and prosecutors choose to proceed. Parents with questions were encouraged to contact Gibbs High School directly for more information.
