Police zapped a US student with a taser gun after he stripped, smeared himself in oil and ran naked through a school canteen.

Taylor Killian, 18, performed the stunt as students had lunch at Westerville North High School, Ohio, reports the Columbus Dispatch.

"It just seemed like a good idea at the time," the honours student told authorities, according to Police Lieutenant John Petrozzi.

Killian strolled into a bathroom, removed his clothes, smeared grapeseed oil on himself and ran into the lunch crowd, police said.

His appearance caused pandemonium in the school, as students unsure of what was happening ran and screamed, police said.

When a school administrator confronted him, Killian made sexual gestures and ran, continuing to chase students.

School resource police officer Doug Staysniak ordered Killian to stop and, after trying unsuccessfully to grab the slippery student, fired his taser. Killian was zapped once, tried to get up, and was given a second zap.

"His exposure, no pun intended, was very limited once he was gotten under control," Petrozzi said.

Killian was taken to the hospital to have the Taser prongs removed, then booked and taken to the Delaware County jail.

He was charged with inducing panic, public indecency, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He will also be disciplined by school authorities.