Seventeen middle school students from Walter Reed Middle School in Los Angeles were treated for symptoms of drug overdose after consuming gummy bears believed to be laced with an unknown substance. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, triggered a large-scale emergency response, with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) quickly arriving at the scene to provide medical aid.
At around 10:29 a.m., the school nurse called 911 after several students, aged between 12 and 13, displayed signs of illness. According to LAFD Captain Erik Scott, the students exhibited symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and anxiety. Emergency personnel arrived within half an hour, with a total of 35 firefighters, five ambulances, and two advanced medical providers on site. "The students had stated that they did ingest something that was in the shape of a gummy bear," Scott explained.
Of the 17 students treated, two were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. The remaining 15 were cleared at the scene and released to their parents or returned to school custody. None of the students were in critical condition, and all are expected to make a full recovery. "They suffered from general fatigue and weakness," LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart noted.
Although initial concerns about fentanyl were raised, Scott confirmed that there was no evidence suggesting the involvement of fentanyl or any other similarly potent drug. He added that an ongoing investigation is underway to determine whether the substance ingested was THC or CBD, compounds commonly associated with cannabis. "That's still being evaluated as part of an active investigation," Scott said.
Parents rushed to the school after news of the emergency spread, with many concerned for their children's safety. One mother, who chose to remain anonymous, described the chaotic scene. "There were helicopters overhead, ambulances, and news crews everywhere," she told PEOPLE. "I saw children on stretchers holding plastic basins, and they were throwing up. The kids looked so scared-it was just heartbreaking."
The school's principal, Paul De Bonis, sent a message to the school community, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident and urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drug use. "Today, we became aware that a group of students may have consumed a banned substance. Emergency personnel were contacted, and students received medical attention," De Bonis stated. "We ask that you talk to your children about substance abuse and the harmful side effects of controlled substances."
The incident, which has been declared a crime scene, is being investigated by the Los Angeles School Police Department in conjunction with local health officials. The school also implemented immediate mental health support for students impacted by the emergency. "We are providing counseling and other resources for students who may have been affected by this event," the school district's spokesperson said.
This incident follows a similar event earlier in the week at Nobel Charter Middle School in Northridge, Los Angeles, where five female students fell ill after ingesting what authorities believe was a banned substance. In that case, three of the students were taken to the hospital, while two were released to their parents after receiving on-site medical evaluation.
The Los Angeles Unified School District has reiterated its commitment to student safety, urging families to remain vigilant about the dangers of drug use. "We need your help to educate our students about the harms that drugs can cause," Principal De Bonis said. The district has also emphasized the importance of community awareness and action, urging parents and students alike to follow the district's safety message: "If you see something, say something."
