Tear gas, pepper spray hits San Bruno school by mistake

Chemicals began leaking into the outside air at about 12:45 p.m., including CS (2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile, a component of tear gas) and OC gas (oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as pepper spray).

“Unfortunately, gas from inside the structure drifted outside to a nearby elementary school where teachers and students reported experiencing symptoms including burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat,” Moriarty said. “The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and other Bay Area law enforcement agencies have been conducting training at this site for more than 20 years. This is an unprecedented situation that we take very seriously.”

Moriarty said she believed firefighters treated about 20 children and one adult at the scene and no one was hospitalized. A message left for the San Bruno Fire Department wasn’t immediately returned Wednesday.

“We sincerely apologize to Portola Elementary School, its faculty and students, and their families for this unforeseen event which must have been especially scary for children,” Moriarty said. “Members of our command staff visited the school in person to explain what happened, and to apologize for the mishap. In light of this incident, the department is pausing all future chemical agent training exercises while it reviews current practices to make it safer for our neighbors and minimize any impacts on the community.”

Moriarty said Sheriff’s Office officials notified the San Bruno Police Department and Fire Department prior to the training.

These trainings are critical to law enforcement because they allow peace officers to test the safety of equipment for potential leaks, and they provide staff with hands-on experience with chemical agents, preparing them both physically and mentally for real-life situations,” Moriarty said.