Pepper spray incident during high school fight sends 16 students to the hospital

(CBS) ESSEX, Md. - Sixteen people were sent to local hospitals in Baltimore County after a school security officer released pepper spray while trying to stop a fight, authorities said.

CBS Baltimore reports one student was arrested and the school was evacuated during the chaotic morning at Chesapeake High School.

The Baltimore Sun reports the two students were fighting in the High School lobby. "I saw everyone running and panicking in a frenzy," one student said.

A school resource officer saw the boys fighting as they walked out of lunch, and attempted to stop the fighting. The boys assaulted the officer, said Cathy Batton, a police spokeswoman. She was not aware as to how the officer was assaulted.

The officer was able to separate the two boys, but one who was restrained continued to struggle, Batton said. The officer warned he was going to use pepper spray, but the boy began attacking the other student again. "At that point, the spray was used," she said. "I think it is important to note that our officer used the least amount of force. Using the pepper spray was his last resort."

The building was then evacuated and 16 students were transported to local hospitals.

"And I just remember just starting to cough and cough and cough," said a student witness.

Parents who picked up the students after the incident were upset that the pepper spray had been deployed.

"I cannot believe they would use mace on a child," said a mother.

Parents also said Tuesday they are concerned about fighting at the school.

"This should not be happening. It is just an everyday occurrence and I've had enough of it," said Doris Colvin.

The details pertaining to the student's arrest are not available at this time. CBS Baltimore was unable to determine if reports are true that there is frequent fighting at the high school.

Baltimore County's public safety spokesperson says using pepper spray is authorized to bring a situation under control.

"They're authorized to begin with the least possible force and escalate to the most possible force," said Elise Armacost. "Pepper spray is a tool that is used occasionally to break up a fight when they determine it's necessary to do that."