WARREN Pupils get needle pricks

At least five pupils reported being poked with the needle.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A fourth-grade pupil at McGuffey Elementary School on the city's northwest side has been suspended after school officials say he poked several children with a hypodermic needle.
The boy, who said he found the needle near his bus stop Monday morning, is said to have used the needle to poke pupils on his bus, on the playground, and in the school's restroom, said Betty English, superintendent of Warren schools.
It is not known how long the boy will be suspended, English said.
Investigating
"We are reviewing the matter at this time," English added.
Schools security officers are hoping to interview the boy later today, officials said.
At least five pupils reported being poked with the needle, school officials said.
Herb Bias, principal at McGuffey, said he was busy this morning and unable to comment.
Police reports were filed by three parents, who stated their children had been poked. At least two of the parents took their children to the hospital.
None of the children were admitted, school officials said.
"This is very upsetting to parents," English said. "He managed to get this syringe and bring it into the school building."
She noted that she was told by a security officer that the syringe appeared to be for an insulin injection and did not appear to have been used.
The pupils who were poked did not notify school officials until midafternoon Monday, English said.
"Some boys that were in the bathroom said they were poked by this student," English said. "They told their teacher and the teacher reported it to the office and to the school nurse."
Others were asked
Other pupils in the school were then asked if "anything unusual" had happened to them, English said.
"Other children did come forward and some went to the school nurse," English said. She said the nurse used an antiseptic on two children and covered the area with an adhesive bandage.
School officials then attempted to call all parents to notify them of what took place, English said.
"The school called all parents," English noted. "One parent was not able to be reached by telephone so a school security officer went to the home."
sinkovich@vindy.com