She has been placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation is carried out, Hillsborough deputies said.

SEFFNER – A deputy has been put on administrative leave while officials investigate an incident in which she used her O.C. spray in the presence of four pupils, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

The name of the deputy was not available.

Hillsborough deputies said the incident happened Tuesday (Oct. 9) afternoon at Lopez Elementary School in Seffner. The school security deputy deployed her office-issued O.C. spray in the presence of four pupils. O.C. stands for oleoresin capsicum which is the active ingredient in pepper spray.

According to the Hillsborough County Public School System, one pupil was taken to the school nurse, treated for discomfort with water and ice and is in good condition.

“I am extremely disappointed in the news coming out of Lopez Elementary today. O.C. spray is a serious tool that we use in field and it has no business being deployed around the children we are supposed to keep safe,” Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We have zero tolerance for the misuse of our equipment in this manner. This deputy did not adhere to her training or our standards and she will be held accountable for her actions.”

Hillsborough Sheriff | Lopez Elementary | Pepper Spray | Tampabay News

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