PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – A 15-year-old student accused of causing a toxic chemical reaction inside the Benson Polytechnic High School cafeteria faces a domestic terrorism charge, according to the Oregon Judicial Department.
The teenager, born Dec. 7, 2010, is scheduled to appear at 1 p.m. Friday in court of the juvenile court. Court records show the only current charge is first-degree domestic terrorism, though officials noted additional charges may follow.
Authorities said the teenager brought household chemicals to school on Sept. 8 and mixed them in the cafeteria around 8:30 a.m. The resulting chemical reaction released a toxic gas that sent the student into a severe medical emergency. School administrators and the nurse performed CPR and used a defibrillator until emergency crews arrived.
First responders described a green chemical spill and a grayish vapor cloud that smelled of rotten eggs. Firefighters and hazardous materials crews neutralized the spill and cleared the air. Medical personnel evaluated more than 100 students and staff at the scene, and no other hospitalizations were reported.
The Portland Police Bureau, the FBI, the ATF, and a bomb squad launched a joint investigation following the evacuation. Investigators seized electronic devices and chemical samples from the student’s home. Officials previously stated the student acted alone and posed no ongoing danger to the community.
A lawyer for the teen’s family sent a statement ahead of his court appearance saying:
“The fifteen-year-old boy charged in this case is receiving appropriate and necessary mental health treatment. Unlike the adult criminal system, juvenile court is structured to prioritize the individual needs of young people and to promote rehabilitation and healing. The family is grateful that no one else was injured and for the swift intervention of school staff and first responders. They ask for privacy at this time so they may focus on their child’s recovery.”
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