Andrew Evacuated After Irritant Found In Hallway

TINLEY PARK, IL -- Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park was evacuated Monday afternoon after an irritant was found on the first floor of the building, a school official said. Students and staff were moved outside of the building around 1:30 p.m. and were allowed to re-enter and gather their buildings around 3 p.m. The school remains closed, with all after school activities taking place on a volunteer basis.

The irritant was found on the first floor hallway near the Family and Consumer Science classrooms, according to Carla Erdey, director of communications for District 230. At that time, the school was evacuated "out of an abundance of caution." No reports of illness were reported by students or staff.

Students and staff remained outdoors for about an-hour-and-a-half, when the Tinley Park Fire Department and Hazardous Materials Squad gave an all-clear to enter the building. The school remained closed for the rest of the day, but is expected to be open again on Tuesday.

Tinley Park police are investigating the spraying of the irritant, which was unknown as of 3 p.m.

"The Andrew High School administration extends its gratitude to the Tinley Park Fire Department for its thorough and quick response," District 230 wrote in a statement. "The administration also thanks students and staff for their orderly and patient implementation of the school's emergency plan."

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