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Cafeteria prank forces district to install security cam

High school installing security cameras to prevent similar incidents.

June 10—Thanks to an apparent prank where a student spiked the school's marinara sauce with hot sauce, which sent some people to the hospital, a Chicago high school has installed security cameras in the cafeteria.

Highland Park High School Principal Brad Swanson notified parents by email to tell them the sauce had been spiked deliberately. Swanson said that after a student reported a reaction, the cafeteria manager removed the sauce.

The email said several cafeteria staff and students reported having reactions — including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and skin rashes. But no serious injuries were reported. Staff members were taken to the hospital as a precaution.

District 113 spokeswoman Natalie Kaplan said Highland Park police were contacted and disciplinary action was taken. But she would not comment further.

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