Naperville North Gummy Bear Scare: 14 Students Sent to Hospital From Possibly Laced Candy

NAPERVILLE, IL — A 17-year-old student is in custody after several Naperville North students got sick Tuesday when they ate gummy bears that may have been laced with another substance.

Naperville School District 203 spokeswoman Michelle Fregoso said the candy made students “uncomfortable and sick” and the students were taken to the nurse’s office. While 14 students were taken to the hospital, Fregoso said the district can confirm 12 are being treated as a result of consuming the gummy bears.

“For safety precautions, some have been transported to a local hospital to receive medical attention,” Fregoso said. "Each student had varying degrees of discomfort and subsequent treatment.”

Naperville Police Cmdr. Jason Arres said some of the students believed the gummy bears to be laced with marijuana, but police have not yet confirmed that.

A 17-year-old student is in custody for his involvement, Arres said, and police are following up on the potential involvement of a few other students.

Edward Hospital spokesman Keith Hartenberger said students were treated at the emergency room for symptoms including fast heart rate, dizziness and dry mouth.

Fregoso said two students are in stable condition, while 11 have been treated and released.

"We encourage all parents to have conversations with their children about making healthy choices," Fregoso said. "Our community is fortunate to have a number of resources available through school and other community partners to support the well-being of students."

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