School Deputy Resigns After Accidentally Pepper Spraying Students

SEFFNER, FL -- Seffner Elementary School Security Deputy Patricia Parker resigned Wednesday after she was reprimanded by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister for accidentally spraying seven students with pepper spray.

Around noon on Tuesday, Parker was speaking with four students who were curious about the gear she was wearing on her duty belt. Three other children were seated nearby. Parker reportedly took out her can of pepper spray and sprayed it on a napkin. The pressure of the stream hitting the napkin caused some over-spray which came into contact with the children.

All seven children were seen by the school nurse. One was treated for discomfort with water and ice.

"I am grateful these students were not seriously hurt," said Chronister. "This was a teachable moment with some impressionable children who look up to us, and our deputy failed to meet the most minimum of our expectations. This was an extreme lack of judgement and, by resigning, she recognized that as well."

Chronister said he called each of the parents of the children involved to check on their welfare and express his concern.

Parker, 56, was originally hired in May of 1990 and retired from service on May, 1, 2015. She was re-hired in July as a temporary contract employee to serve as a school security deputy.

The spray, known as OC spray, contains the chemical oleoresin capsicum, which is derived from the fruit of plants in the genus Capsicum, including chili peppers. It inflames the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, causing those sprayed with it to instinctively close their eyes, have difficulty breathing, a runny nose and cough. The spray is intended to temporarily disable someone without causing permanent harm.

"OC spray is a serious tool that we use in field and it has no business being deployed around the children we are supposed to keep safe," said Chronister. "We have zero tolerance for the misuse of our equipment in this manner. This deputy did not adhere to her training or our standards."

Image via Getty

Police practice using pepper spray.

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