Two adults were hospitalized and four others refused treatment after the "release of a chemical agent" during an altercation at Chicago Bulls College Prep in Chicago's Near West Side neighborhood.
According to fire officials, a chemical agent was released during a disturbance at the school shortly after 12 p.m. Two adults, who are staff members, were taken to a local hospital in good condition.
A statement from Chicago police said that an adult woman entered the school and proceeded inside a classroom, where she discharged a chemical spray.
The woman was taken into custody and charges are currently pending, police said.
Noble Schools, the director of Chicago Bulls College Prep, released the following statement Friday afternoon, revealing the adult woman to be the parent of a student:
"This afternoon we entered into a soft lockdown after a parent in our community instigated an altercation during class."
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"After a meeting with staff members, the parent entered a classroom without permission. At this point, the parent instigated an altercation with a small group of students and used pepper spray toward both students and staff. We then contacted authorities and initiated a soft lockdown to ensure everyone’s safety. The parent was then escorted out of the building by our campus security staff and then was arrested by the Chicago Police Department. Students were dismissed at our normal dismissal time. Two staff members were impacted by the pepper spray and transported to a hospital by ambulance. One student was later transported to the hospital by their family."
"We are grateful for the swift action of our staff members to de-escalate the situation, and their continued commitment to provide a safe learning environment," the statement said.
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It is unknown if the four individuals who refused treatment at the scene were students or staff members.
Students were released from school for the day. There is currently no further information.
