Police today arrested an 18-year-old high school student in connection with the release of pepper-spray in a vacant hallway at Mountain View High School Tuesday afternoon — an event which prompted evacuation of the school and the activation of over 40 emergency responders including a hazardous materials (hazmat) team.

Ryan Thomas Fulton (inset), DCJ photo

Ryan Thomas Fulton was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail, and will face charges of disorderly conduct and unlawful use of pepper spray, said Lt.Gary Mack of the Bend Police Department.

A collaborative investigation by Bend-La Pine Schools and police led to the arrest, Mack said.

The school was evacuated yesterday afternoon when students and staff reported a suspicious chlorine-like odor that caused some persons respiratory distress, authorities said. 

Over 40 emergency responders were called to the scene in northeast Bend at 2:48 p.m. Tuesday, about the same time the students are dismissed for the day, Fire Inspector Cindy Kettering reported.  Initial personnel on scene at 2755 NE 27^th Street were unable to determine the source of the odor, Kettering said, so the decision was made to clear the building of all remaining students and staff and to activate the regional hazmat team from Redmond.

Although no one was transported to a medical facility, two persons received medical treatment on scene, the fire inspector reported.

The building was considered safe for occupancy about 11 p.m., Tuesday, and classes were held today as usual.