LEITCHFIELD, Ky. (WHAS11) -- There's a sign outside the front of Grayson County High School that reads, "Welcome to our Tobacco-Free Campus," with images of a cigarette, chewing tobacco, an e-cigarette, and a vape pen all clearly marked as prohibited.
"They're not allowed to smoke at school," Grayson County resident Lisa Robinson said. "They shouldn't be allowed to come in with those either."
Tuesday morning, Leitchfield Police and Grayson County EMS arrived at Grayson County High School after several students started feeling sick after taking in an unknown substance with a vaping device known as a "dab pen." Police said at least 12 students used the pen and reported feeling ill and four students were taken to a nearby hospital.
"I've done it. I've vaped," Robinson said. "I do smoke and I've vaped but I don't care for it."
Robinson said her daughter, a nurse, has warned her about the dangers of vaping. The CDC has also reported almost 1,300 cases of vaping-related lung disease that has killed more than 20 people. While there is no explanation of why the students felt sick from this vape device and whether it is related to the disease reported by the CDC, Robinson said she does not know why students would even take the risk.
"Why kids would even do it with all the hype about all the stuff that's gone wrong with them, I don't understand it at all," she said.
Leitchfield Police also searched a home related to the incident and found more of the unknown substance. Police have charged two juveniles in the case with 12 counts of trafficking in a controlled substance and 12 counts of wanton endangerment with additional charges pending.
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