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Pompano Beach, FL - Twelve students were hospitalized after a pepper spray incident at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach on Thursday.
The situation stemmed from a dispute between two female students that began off-campus the day before and escalated on school grounds.
According to Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn, one of the students allegedly used pepper spray in a common area of the school on Northwest 6th Avenue. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue confirmed all twelve students were transported to Broward Health North Hospital in stable condition.
Initial reports indicated seven students were affected, but the total later rose to twelve.
The school briefly went into lockdown following the incident. Dr. Hepburn clarified that the lockdown was also related to a parent attempting to enter the school without following proper entry procedures, not directly due to the pepper spray.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate both the pepper spray incident and the unauthorized parent entry.
While the student allegedly involved will face disciplinary action under the district’s code of conduct, officials reported no immediate criminal charges.
Superintendent Hepburn noted that carrying pepper spray on campus is prohibited, even though small amounts are legally allowed for personal protection off-campus.
Officials advised that all students involved are expected to recover fully and emphasized that disciplinary measures will be applied consistently.