GRESHAM, Ore. (KOIN) — Parents of students at Hollydale Elementary School in Gresham received a letter from officials that said a student was pepper-sprayed while walking to school Tuesday morning.
“I want to alert all families of an incident that took place this morning before school,” the letter from Principal Debra James began. “As he was walking to school, one of our students was sprayed in the face with what appears to be pepper spray. The person or persons that did this came out of a white van and sprayed him. The van is described as a panel van with two doors that open in the back. …”
The incident, which “seems like a random attack,” happened around 4th and Lillyben, the letter said.
Gresham police were called and began their ongoing investigation.
School officials made sure students left in a large group when school was dismissed for the day.
KOIN 6 News will have more information as it develops.
Complete text of letter from Principal Debra James:
April 12, 2016
Hollydale Families,
I want to alert all families of an incident that took place this morning before school. As he was walking to school, one of our students was sprayed in the face with, what appears to be pepper spray. The person or persons that did this came out of a white van and sprayed him. The van is described as a panel van with two doors that open in the back. We do not have a good description of the person or persons that did it except that it was a male, possibly with dark hair. This incident took place near 4th and Lillyben. The student was walking with a group of other students. From all indications it seems like a random attack.
Gresham Police were called and they are investigating the incident. If any students or parents have information about the incident please contact Officer Baker at Gresham Police. Also, if you should see a van that matches the description and if it seems suspicious, contact Gresham Police.
I would ask that all families are aware and make sure that students that are walking to and from school are in a group and, if possible, with an adult. This afternoon before students that walk are released to go home, we will gather them together and make sure that all of them leave as a large group in whichever direction they are walking.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at Hollydale, 503-661-6226. If you have any information that would be helpful to the police investigation please contact them at the non-emergency number 503-823-3333.
Sincerely,
Principal Debra James
Filed under: Crime, Editor's Pick, Education, Multnomah County
