At least 69 people were seen or treated by medical staff Wednesday after a hazardous materials spill at Hobby Lobby in Antioch, according to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District.
First responders from Con Fire responded to a call around 2:50 p.m. at the craft store on Lone Tree Way, the agency said.
According to Captain Chris Toler from Con Fire, the event is still under investigation, but it appears that someone may have entered the store and made an intentional release of a substance that has not yet been determined. Investigators have not located any container, but they do believe that it did not come from Hobby Lobby. An employee called first responders after the substance was released at the front of the store.
The materials released into the air caused skin irritations, watery eyes and respiratory distress for some people. Three people have been taken to the hospital.
Con Fire will update this story as they get more information.
69 people in a store? That alone sounds suspicious. 🧐
Probably powdered CS gas
And probably a hate crime given the background of the business and todays climate…
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This incident should be classified as terrorism.
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According to ABC7News, the chemical was anti-bear spray (mace).
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What next?
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Sarin or Zyklon B smuggled across the southern border.
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Gone are the days where buying some googly eyes and poster board was considered safe.
69! My favorite!
Were any bears harmed?
Nice