Police in Waldo County are trying to determine why a student released Mace inside Mount View High School, forcing the evacuation of the building Wednesday afternoon.

A staff member at the school called the Waldo Regional Communications Center at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday to report a chemical release inside the school complex in Thorndike. Dispatchers were told the chemical release may have affected as many as 20 students, according to the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Jordan Tozier, the school resource officer, was told the chemical may be the type of over-the-counter mace product commonly used for self-defense. Students and staff were evacuated as emergency officials confirmed the substance was Mace. They were allowed back in when it was determined the material was not hazardous.

A short investigation revealed a student released the Mace product, according to the sheriff’s office. Tozier is continuing to investigate the circumstances under which the Mace was used.

Fire departments from Thorndike, Unity, Montville and Liberty were sent to the school along with local ambulances.

Mount View High School in Regional School Unit 3 includes students from Brooks, Freedom, Jackson, Knox, Liberty, Monroe, Montville, Thorndike, Troy, Unity and Waldo.

Mt. View High School