Police were talking to a 10-year-old student at a South Side elementary school to determine if the spraying of a substance believed to be Mace in a school cafeteria Wednesday morning that led to several students being taken to hospitals was intentional or accidental.
About 8:40 a.m., a can of Mace was triggered at the Beasley Magnet Academic Center, an elementary school at 5255 S. State St., according to police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli.
About 9:20 a.m., an EMS Plan I response, which sends at least five ambulances, was called for the school because several people were sprayed with pepper spray, according to Fire Media Affairs. According to preliminary reports, a student sprayed Mace in the lunchroom, police said.
"Seven students were transported to nearby hospitals as a precautionary measure after being sprayed with an unidentified liquid by a fellow student this morning," CPS spokeswoman Marielle Sainvilus said in a statement via e-mail. "That student has been removed from the premises."
Seven students were taken to area hospitals as a precautionary measure, according to Fire Media. The hospitals included Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Mercy Hospital, according to police.
Police were speaking to a 10-year-old boy who pulled the trigger on the Mace, to try to determine if the incident was an accident or intentional, Mirabelli said.
Sainvilus added that it has not been confirmed as of later Wednesday morning what was contained in the liquid. She also said parents of the affected students were notified immediately, and a letter and robocalls were going out to all parents notifying them of the incident.
"The school will work in coordination with CPD on this incident and will take all appropriate necessary disciplinary actions," she said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:37:06 GMT
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:37:06 GMT
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:08 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:08:29 GMT
Attorneys for the Chicago Teachers Union filed several federal lawsuits Wednesday, arguing the closing of 53 elementary schools discriminates against African-American children and those with disabilities.
Attorneys for the Chicago Teachers Union filed several federal lawsuits Wednesday, arguing the closing of 53 elementary schools discriminates against African-American children and those with disabilities.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 3:52 PM EDT2013-05-15 19:52:48 GMT
A 32-year-old bus driver for a far north suburban school district has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor, though the victim was not a student who rode her bus, according to police.
A 32-year-old bus driver for a far north suburban school district has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor, though the victim was not a student who rode her bus, according to police.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-15 17:15:01 GMT
A former Maine West High School soccer coach has been charged with multiple misdemeanor counts involving the battery and hazing of players on his team.
A former Maine West High School soccer coach has been charged with multiple misdemeanor counts involving the battery and hazing of players on his team.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-14 02:42:59 GMT
Karen Lewis has been talking for months about defeating Rahm Emanuel at the next mayoral election, but first she's fighting to keep her own job as president of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Karen Lewis has been talking for months about defeating Rahm Emanuel at the next mayoral election, but first she's fighting to keep her own job as president of the Chicago Teachers Union.
It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Lakeshore Learning's Ray Hernandez shared some last minute gifts designed by teachers available in Chicago, Orland Park and Palatine – all less than $20!
It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Lakeshore Learning's Ray Hernandez shared some last minute gifts designed by teachers available in Chicago, Orland Park and Palatine – all less than $20!
Sunday was a very special day for Donna Barber and her daughter Ladonna Watts. They graduated with master's degrees from Ashford University – together! They spoke on their great accomplishment Monday.
Sunday was a very special day for Donna Barber and her daughter Ladonna Watts. They graduated with master's degrees from Ashford University – together! They spoke on their great accomplishment Monday.
Loyola University will open a $60 million energy-efficient complex this summer, to house the "Institute of Environmental Sustainability," run by Nancy Tuchman. Students will train for green jobs of the future.
Loyola University will open a $60 million energy-efficient complex this summer, to house the "Institute of Environmental Sustainability," run by Nancy Tuchman. Students will train for green jobs of the future.
Thursday, February 28 2013 11:17 AM EST2013-02-28 16:17:45 GMT
First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign is making waves on the national level, so Good Day Chicago wanted to showcase a local school that is one of the healthiest in the city.
First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign is making waves on the national level, so Good Day Chicago wanted to showcase a local school that is one of the healthiest in the city.
