Chaos ensued at Union Square subway station last night when, according to authorities, a man released bear spray in a train car, affecting eight individuals. Four of the victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment following the incident, which occurred just after 9:30 p.m. on the southbound No. 4 train, as NBC New York reports, while the other half declined medical attention at the scene the NYPD is currently seeking a man estimated to be around 30 years old last seen wearing a camouflage ski mask.
Witnesses informed police that the suspect may have been involved in an argument with another individual prior to the discharge of bear spray; the specifics remain unclear. Subway service experienced a temporary disruption due to the incident but has since returned to normal operations.
Bear spray, a defense mechanism meant solely for deterring bear attacks, contains a potent hot pepper oil that can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory system, the NYPD underscored the urgency of locating the individual, calling on the public to offer any pertinent information to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
ABC 7 NY notes that Metropolitan Transportation Authority cameras installed in the subway network may aid detectives in their pursuit of the suspect, whose motives for deploying the bear spray remain unclear.
