LI Student Taken Into Custody After Pepper Spray Incident: District

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Riverhead High School student was taken into custody after using pepper spray during an altercation with another student, school officials said.

According to Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore, superintendent of schools, the residue from the spray impacted the air quality in the hallway, resulting in other students and security guards being affected.

"All of those impacted received medical treatment, and the parents and guardians of affected students were contacted," he said in a message Friday to parents. "The hallway has been cleaned, no longer contains any residue, and is safe for passage. The school day remains uninterrupted, and classes will continue as usual."

In addition, Tornatore said, Riverhead Town Police were immediately contacted and are currently conducting an investigation; the student who used the pepper spray has been taken into police custody, he said.

"The district prioritizes safety and security, and altercations of this nature will not be tolerated. We will continue to work alongside the Riverhead Police Department throughout the investigation, and the two students in the altercation will face full disciplinary action in accordance with Riverhead High School's code of conduct," Tornatore said.