The unknown substance that was initially suspected to be fentanyl at the Menominee Elementary School was determined to be a prescription medication and not fentanyl.
Field tests are used to determine a likelihood, and lab testing can only make positive identifications.
On 10/12/2026 the Menominee Police Department investigated an incident involving an unknown substance discovered at Menominee Elementary School. The substance was turned over to the School Resource Officer (SRO) by a school staff member. Once SRO Bartell received the unknown substance, he immediately took it to the Police Department for testing. Officers and school staff began reviewing the camera footage and search of school was conducted by Menominee Police K9 and officers, nothing further located.
The 3rd – 5th grade students’ hallway where the substance was found went into a code yellow lockdown and thoroughly searched by officers and cleaned by janitorial staff. Preliminary testing of the substance indicated that the substance was possibly fentanyl a schedule 2 narcotic. Further review of camera footage led the investigation to a student. The interview with the student and parent confirmed that the baggie of medication was theirs.
On 10/13/2026 the substance was taken to Michigan State Police Crime Lab for testing. The test results of the substance was identified as Vyvanse which is a schedule 2 narcotic, which is a medication used for ADHD.
The Menominee Police Department takes matters involving the safety and well-being of students and school staff seriously. The department will continue to work with school administration to address the circumstances surrounding the student’s possession of the medication and ensure the safety of the school community.
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