BEND, OR -- Bend Police and Medics responded to High Desert Middle School Thursday, after a student released pepper spray in a hallway. In a statement to families, the principal said the incident occurred in a crowded hall on the way back from "first lunch."

One parent tells KBND News it happened during a fight. Their student wasn’t involved but suffered burning eyes, nose and mouth, and had to leave school early.

Principal Jessica Reilly told parents in an email the school "called EMTs and our school nurse to evaluate students directly affected." She went on to say they gave "some students a saline solution to rinse their eyes and advised that any student involved should rinse their hands and arms as soon as possible. They also advised affected students to shower thoroughly and change their clothes at the first opportunity."

According to Reilly, pepper spray and other noxious gasses are not allowed on school grounds. Students caught bringing such items on campus face disciplinary action.