MPS students had 'unauthorized food substance,' police investigate

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee Public Schools spokesperson said police are investigating an "unauthorized food substance" that was brought to a northwest side elementary school Thursday, Feb. 9.

Police said seven children at River Trail Elementary got sick after eating what the city health department confirmed was "gummy candy." But so far, no one – including MPS – is saying what was in the gummy candy.

"Pretty surprised – I didn’t find out about it right away," said parent Clifton McKnuckles. "I would like to know the day-of, maybe,"

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MPS said a student brought the substance from home and shared it with other students. The health department said the group started to "act funny" after ingesting the gummy candy and was sent home to "sleep it off." As a precaution, the students were given medical attention. Police and fire officials told FOX6 News that no one was taken to the hospital.

"I’m not sure exactly what it was, but I know it was some substance, and they caught it," McKnuckles said. I don’t know how they get ahold of that stuff anyway – kids at least."

Police outside River Trail Elementary

MPS would not give any information about the students because of HIPPA rules.

Police told FOX6 "there is no evidence that a crime occurred" but they are investigating, and MPS said it will follow its code of conduct regarding "consequences for anyone who was determined to be involved this situation. "

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An MPS spokesman said parents were notified, but few who spoke to FOX6 off-camera Friday knew anything about it.

River Trail Elementary is located at 119th and Florist.