Naperville high schoolers get sick, dizzy after eating gummy bears

FOX 32 NEWS - A 17-year-old Naperville North High School student suspected of being the person responsible for distributing tainted candy that sickened other students was released from custody Tuesday night without charges.

The students got sick after eating what police believe were drug-laced gummy bears.

"In talking to some of the affected individuals, they believe these gummy bears were laced with something with marijuana, like a liquid-based marijuana substance," said Commander Jason Arres of the Naperville Police.

The 9-1-1 calls started coming in around 10:30 a.m, and for more than three hours, ambulances rushed to and from Naperville North transporting students who got sick. Police are awaiting lab tests to determine exactly what was in the candy.

A total of 14 students were taken to Edward hospital for treatment, but only 12 had eaten the gummy bears. They were complaining of dizziness, rapid heart rate and dry mouth.

"I am disappointed, but I'm disappointed from the sense that I want our kids to be healthy and to make healthy choices. So absolutely, when we find kids in a situation where their health is at risk, their safety is in jeopardy, I am concerned," said Dan Bridges, District 203 Superintendent.

In addition to a 17-year-old boy, police suspect 2-3 other students may have been involved in distributing the gummy bears, but it's not clear if those who got sick knew what they were taking.

"I do think it's possible that some of them did, but I'm pretty sure that not everybody did, that's some of the things I heard like rumors that not everyone was aware of what was in them," said sophomore Lily Brinkman.

"It surprised me, it's not something that comes out of the student body, so I think everyone's really shocked by it that something like this would happen," said senior Chris Kohlei.

But others said they were not surprised at all. Police said there's an important lesson here for students.

"Be knowledgeable about what you're putting into your body," said Commander Arres.

Police said a decision on any charges will come after additional interviews with students and discussions with the DuPage County State's Attorney's office. They said they want to make sure the punishment fits the crime.