THORNDIKE — Following the Feb. 28 release of a mace-like substance at Mt. View High School, which cleared the building, has resulted in a 16-year-old female has been charged with Disorderly Conduct and Criminal use of Disabling Chemicals.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 2:20 p.m., the Waldo Regional Communications Center received a call from a Mt. View School Complex staff person reporting a possible chemical release at the Complex in Thorndike, according to a news release from the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office. 

The initial report indicated as many as 20 students were affected by the chemical release.  Fire Departments from Thorndike, Unity, Montville and Liberty were notified to respond.  Local ambulance units also responded. 

While Sheriff’s Office personnel were responding to the scene, School Resource Officer Deputy Jordan Tozier received information that the source of the chemical odor/release may have been an over-the-counter mace product. 

The type of product is often used in self-defense situations. 

As a result of this early information, students and staff evacuated the building and remained at the complex while emergency responders attempted to identify the substance.  Investigation quickly confirmed a student did release an over the counter mace product inside the school.  

Once the source of the chemical release was identified and the building was cleared by hazardous material personnel, students and staff were cleared to leave the complex.    

School Resource Deputy Jordan Tozier will conduct a follow up investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the release of the mace product.  The Sheriff’s Office will release the findings of the follow-up investigation as soon as they become available.