CRIME, POLICE + COURTS
Park City teen admits to releasing pepper spray over political differences
May 20, 2019, 8:34 AM
Park City High was evacuated when nearly 20 people became sick after a student released pepper spray in the school on Mondya, April 1, 2019, fire officials said. (PHOTO: Steve Breinholt KSL TV)
(PHOTO: Steve Breinholt KSL TV)
PARK CITY, Utah — A Utah teen admitted that he released pepper spray into Park City High School, forcing the evacuation of 14 and sending one student to the hospital in early April, over political differences.
Shortly after arrival of PCFD personnel we starting getting reports of people complaining of respiratory distress – burning in their lungs and abdominal cramping. At last report there were 19 people ( students and faculty) complaining of symptoms with one transported by EMS.
— Park City Fire (@PCFireDistrict) April 1, 2019
The 18-year-old admitted Friday to a felony and two misdemeanors, including assault, for pepper spraying a lecture hall in order to stop the school’s Turning Point club from hosting conservative speaker Will Witt and his “How to Bridge the Divide” event.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE ME IN UTAH TOMORROW! Get your free tickets here: https://t.co/SvxziM88MN pic.twitter.com/UI0AiK0KsF
— Will Witt (@thewillwitt) March 31, 2019
The teen told Judge Elizabeth Knight that he released the spray because he disagreed with their politics.
The Park City Record reports the teen said, “I didn’t feel as though it was a very safe thing for a lot of our students to really have in our school, so I decided I wanted to disrupt it.”
The teen has apologized but he’ll also have to pay restitution to the school, write an essay on civility and perform 100 hours of community service.
