Excessive Force? Police Pepper Spray 8 Year Old

In February, Colorado police were called to a second grade classroom. Aiden, an 8 year old, had threatened his teachers and was wielding a sharp stick as a weapon. Police ordered the boy to drop the stick, but the boy refused. Officer then sprayed the boy with two doses of pepper spray and handcuffed him. Police are defending their actions.

I think Meredith Vieira summed it best when she said: "This is a tough situation for everyone involved."

What do you think? Did the police use excessive force? Or, given that school violence is now an issue we are more aware of and sensitive too (as I think we should be), did they act appropriately?