Pepper spray discharge at school sends 9 to hospital

Eight students and one teacher from an Essex middle school were transported to area hospitals for evaluation Friday after a can of pepper spray “accidentally discharged,” leading to temporary evacuation of the school, said Cpl. John Wachter, spokesman for the Baltimore County police. A12year-old seventh-grade girl brought the small can of pepper spray to Deep Creek Middle School, Wachter said. Officials are investigating to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.