Two students from a Texas high school are facing criminal charges after an ill-conceived prank involving “fart spray” caused chaos, evacuations, hospitalizations, and disrupted classes. Diego Flores, 18, and an unidentified 17-year-old boy have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, specifically a chemical dispensing device, which is classified as a third-degree felony according to court records.
The incident took place at Caney Creek High School on May 3 and 4 when a peculiar odor permeated the campus. Concerned about the source of the smell, extensive testing was conducted on the mechanical, ventilation, and sewer systems by multiple fire departments, including Caney Creek Fire & Rescue.
Ultimately, it was determined that the air quality was safe and the odor was only present when the building was occupied by students, as confirmed by the school’s principal, Jeff Stichler, in a statement released on May 5.
On May 3, students were temporarily evacuated after the smell of gas was detected near the cafeteria. However, the odor dissipated and students returned to campus the following day. Unfortunately, the smell resurfaced around 11:30 a.m., leading to another evacuation and early dismissal. Some students experienced negative physical reactions such as headaches and nausea, necessitating their transportation to hospitals via ambulance, as stated in court documents.
Principal Stichler reassured parents that there was no detection of natural gas on the campus based on information from multiple resources equipped with advanced equipment. However, as a precautionary measure, the school remained closed on May 5 to facilitate the ongoing investigation into the source of the odor.
Following a thorough investigation conducted by the police and the school administration, it was revealed that the odor was a result of students bringing “Hensgaukt Fart Spray” into the building as part of a prank. Subsequently, Flores and the 17-year-old boy were arrested on May 12 and released on $3,000 bond on the same day.
Wendy Baker, attorney for Diego Flores, expressed her discontent with the charges, considering them excessive. She stated, “I am completely offended that this young man has been charged with a third-degree felony, and if the State of Texas doesn’t come to their senses soon, then we look forward to defending this case in a jury trial of Montgomery County citizens,” in an email.
The Conroe Independent School District declined to comment on the incident, redirecting inquiries to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. In response, the district attorney’s office emphasized that there were details it couldn’t disclose due to ongoing litigation, asserting that the incident was not merely a harmless school prank.
“While we cannot provide specific details at this time, the initial evidence presented in the charges suggests that this incident goes beyond the scope of a benign school prank,” the statement read. “We recognize the age of the individuals involved, and we take into account the potential for impulsive decisions, especially among younger individuals, as we pursue justice.”
The district attorney’s office expressed its commitment to a resolution that considers the well-being of the community, the victims, and the futures of the suspects. They urged concerned parties to exercise patience and allow the legal process to unfold in order to achieve a just outcome.
As the case progresses, further updates will be provided, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing this incident within the Texas community.