Student Deploys Pepper Spray In New Britain School: Officials

NEW BRITAIN, CT — A student deployed pepper spray in a hallway at Pulaski Middle School on Tuesday, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order.

Alisha Rayner, director of operations & communications for the city of New Britain, said there were no serious injuries reported.

The shelter-in-place was implemented as a precaution to keep the affected hallway clear while staff responded to the situation, according to Heather Whitehead, principal of Pulaski Middle School.

Four students reported minor irritation and were evaluated by the school nurse. Each student’s family was contacted, and no other injuries were reported, according to Whitehead, who issued an announcement to the school community following the incident.

The pepper spray was secured and turned over to the New Britain Police Department, which responded to the scene and is investigating.

“The State of Connecticut classifies pepper spray as a defensive weapon and prohibits the possession of such items in schools and at school activities,” Whitehead said.

The school district indicated its investigation is also ongoing, and any disciplinary measures involving students will be handled internally, in accordance with district policies and procedures.

“We ask all parents and guardians to check your child’s bag on a regular basis to ensure that they are not carrying something inappropriate to school that could be a danger to themselves or others,” Whitehead said.