Students ill after pepper spray incident in North Philly school

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police and firefighters responded to Murrell Dobbins CTE High School this morning after a student sprayed pepper spray inside the building.

It was around 9:50 a.m. when authorities were called to the school, which is located at 2150 West Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia.

Philadelphia School District Spokesman Fernando Gallard tells Action News that the pepper spray was released by a student in the third floor hallway.

Police said the 18-year-old who sprayed the pepper spray fled before they arrived.

However, his father tells Action News that the teen has since surrendered, adding the incident 'wasn't intentional.'

Police say he injured at least six students. The students complained of burning to their eyes and skin. A paramedic called to the scene treated most of them at the high school.

Authorities are not releasing his name at this time. He could face charges of aggravated assault.

So far, there is no word on a motive.

Gallard says the incident did not prompt evacuations at the school.