Children Complain of Stomach Pains After Chewing Gum Found on School Premises

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, May 19, 1999
On Friday, May 14, 1999, at approximately 12:45 p.m., a radio call was broadcast for Northeast Units to respond to an "Abused Child Investigation" at the French American School, located at 4155 Russell Avenue. The focus of the investigation dealt with bubble gum that children had found and were chewing. Some children were complaining of stomach problems. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Paramedics were also dispatched to the location.

Upon completion of the preliminary interviews, it was determined that 35 of the children were involved. The sergeant at the scene immediately set up a Command Post and a liaison with LAFD to coordinate the treatment and transportation of the children involved. Northeast Detectives were notified and responded and took responsibility for the crime scene investigation, interviews and control of evidence.

The children were transported to Kaiser, Hollywood Presbyterian, Glendale Memorial and Children’s Hospitals where there was no evidence that the children had ingested any type of identifiable contaminant.

If you have any questions regarding this incident, please contact Northeast Detectives at 213-485-2566.

For Release 3:40 pm PST
May 19, 1999