Oregon Teen Accused of Mixing Toxic Chemicals at School

More than 100 students and staff members were assessed after a chemical incident at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon, on September 8.

At least seven people needed medical treatment, and the school evacuated the students and staff to nearby athletic fields while people affected by the incident were assessed and treated.

A 15-year-old student was hospitalized in critical condition after reportedly mixing chemicals he had brought from home. Police later clarified that he had inhaled gases produced by the mixture. The authorities initially suspected the gasses included hydrogen sulfide, but the substances have not been officially identified.

As investigators examined what happened, and police said they also found statements and behavior from before the incident that raised concerns. Those concerns included the teenager’s alleged interest in hazardous chemicals, explosives and violence. The authorities used that information as part of the criminal investigation into his actions.

On October 2, police and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced that the teenager had been arrested and charged with 19 offenses. The charges include 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, along with attempted murder in the first and second degrees and domestic terrorism in the first and second degrees. The teenager also faces charges of unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device, unlawful possession of a destructive device, possession of a weapon in a public building, unlawful use of a weapon and recklessly endangering another person.

The charges were filed in juvenile court, and the Multnomah County district attorney is seeking to have the case transferred to adult court.

The teenager is currently receiving treatment at an inpatient mental health facility. His attorneys have denied the allegations against him.

If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.