Release of pepper spray on Marietta school bus was accidental, superintendent says
Jan. 18—The release of a pepper spray canister on a Marietta City Schools bus Tuesday was accidental, Superintendent Grant Rivera said Wednesday.
Over the long weekend, a parent of a Park Street Elementary student used their child's backpack to move items, according to Rivera. The parent left her keys, which had a pepper spray canister attached, in the student's bag.
The student was not aware of the keys and pepper spray when they went to school Tuesday, Rivera said. On a school bus, the canister was inadvertently discharged.
One student was sickened in the incident, according to the district.
The district said first responders "were onsite immediately" to evaluate students and the bus driver, with no major injuries reported.
"Please be assured that safety is always our top priority, and we are committed to providing timely and transparent communications to our families," the district said in an email to parents Tuesday.
