Barrington students involved with pepper spray suspended
By Bridget O’Shea boshea@pioneerlocal.com January 30, 2013 8:02PM
Updated: March 2, 2013 11:38AM
BARRINGTON — Two Barrington High School students charged with unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the alleged release of pepper spray in the school earlier this month have been suspended from school.
“They did receive an out-of-school suspension, but they will be permitted to return to school,” said Jeffrey Arnett, chief communications officer for District 220.
Arnett, who was not able to disclose the length of the suspensions, previously said the incident was believed to be accidental, but added that punishment was handed down because the substance is not allowed on school grounds.
Barrington High School and police officials said the alleged pepper spray incident occurred while school was letting out Jan. 16. The incident occurred in the school’s East Wing, Arnett said.
Police did not release the names of the students because they are minors. Both are females, age 15 and 16.
They were released and given a court date of Feb. 21 in Cook County Circuit Court.
Some students were affected by the spray, most notably with bouts of coughing, but were all OK after exiting the building, Arnett said.
“No one needed to be treated by the school nurse or transported to the hospital,” Arnett said.
