View security camera footage of the incident, courtesy of the Santa Maria Police Department.
Santa Maria police officers are trying to identify the man who attacked patrons March 6 with what’s suspected to be pepper spray at a restaurant and bar located in the 500 block of North Broadway.
According to a press release from the department, the man was forced to leave the bar after an altercation, but then came back with a large aerosol canister, which he sprayed on several people, before fleeing the scene in his green Chevy Tahoe.
“The patrons experienced burning eyes and skin, profuse mucus discharge, and inability to open their eyes for about an hour,” the press release said.
Paramedics responded and provided treatment to the victims. The motive for the assault is unknown.
Members of the public are asked to contact Officer Stephen Best at 928-3781, Ext. 491, or sbest@ci.santa-maria.ca.us with more information.
This article appears in Mar 20-27, 2014.