Man uses bear spray on 3 people at Westminster grocery store, leading to evacuation
A search continued Monday for a man accused of directly spraying three people with bear spray, and exposing several others to it, at an Albertsons grocery store in Westminster only a day prior.
Officers responded around 11:30 a.m. to the store, located inside a busy plaza at Westminster Boulevard and Goldenwest Street, after a man, believed to be in his early 20s, began to spray multiple people with bear spray. Over 50 customers and employees were forced to evacuate after fumes from the mace reached the air conditioning vents and spread throughout the store, according to the Westminster Police Department.
Three people were directly hit by the spray, including one person who was pushing a cart with a 3-year-old. The child came within inches of the spray, police said.
“We are taking this very seriously,” Deputy Police Chief Cameron Knauerhaze said.
Bear spray contains high levels of the compound Oleoresin Capsicum, also known as ‘pepper spray.’ Normally used to ward off bears and other animals, when activated, a large volume of spray can be emitted and spread at further distances. Making the inflammatory effects much more intense than traditional mace used for self-defense, Knauerhaze explained.
Orange County Fire Authority officials treated the victims, including several police officers who were exposed while evacuating others, at the scene.
Surveillance video appeared to show the man spray the victims without any prior interaction or incident, police said. Witnesses said the male suspect wore glasses and a green jacket with white flowers.
The man is being accused of three separate charges, including burglary, unlawful use of tear gas, and child endangerment. He fled before police arrived, leaving behind a large can of bear spray at the grocery store.
Police ask anyone with more information to call 714-548-3783 or 714-548-3767.
