A 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student in Portland was arrested and charged after mixing chemicals in a school cafeteria on Sept. 8, releasing hazardous fumes that led to an evacuation. Authorities say the teen inhaled the gases and was hospitalized; more than 100 people were triaged and at least seven required medical care. On Oct. 2 prosecutors filed 19 counts — including 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder and domestic terrorism charges — and are seeking to move the case to adult court. The teen is receiving inpatient mental health treatment and his lawyers deny the allegations.
Portland Teen Arrested on Domestic Terrorism and Attempted Murder Charges After Mixing Toxic Chemicals at School
Authorities announce the charges against a 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student who mixed toxic chemicals at schoolCredit: Portland Police
A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland has been arrested and charged after reportedly mixing toxic chemicals in a school cafeteria on Sept. 8, prompting an evacuation and medical treatment for multiple people.
Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office announced on Oct. 2 that the adolescent — who is not being publicly identified because of his age — faces 19 criminal counts related to the incident.
According to authorities, the student brought chemicals from home and combined them in a school space, then inhaled the gases produced rather than ingesting any liquid as was initially reported. Emergency responders and hazmat teams evacuated classrooms to nearby athletic fields. More than 100 students and staff were triaged at the scene, and at least seven people required medical care following exposure.
Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Ore.Credit: Google Maps
PPB Public Information Manager Mike Benner said investigators initially believed the released vapors may have included hydrogen sulfide, though officials have not publicly confirmed the exact substances involved. The student who mixed the chemicals was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Charges and Investigation
Prosecutors filed 19 counts in juvenile court, including 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder and additional charges of attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree domestic terrorism, unlawful manufacture and possession of a destructive device, possession and unlawful use of a weapon in a public building, and recklessly endangering another person. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said he is seeking to move the case to adult court.
"These charges reflect the seriousness of the conduct investigators have uncovered and the potential danger posed to the school community," Benner said during a press conference.
Mental Health and Legal Response
The teenager is currently receiving treatment at an inpatient mental health facility, according to his attorneys, who also deny the allegations. Investigators continue efforts to identify the precise chemicals involved and to determine the full circumstances that led to the Sept. 8 incident.
School officials, law enforcement and hazmat teams continue to coordinate on safety reviews and follow-up measures to support students, staff and families affected by the incident.
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