One taken to hospital after pepper spray used at Spirit Halloween in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One person was taken to the hopsital after someone used pepper at Spirit Halloween on Nifong Boulevard in Columbia Saturday afternoon.

An ABC 17 reporter saw emergency crews outside the store at 1:49 p.m.

Store manager Mike Whitaker told ABC 17 News that someone sprayed a customer in line with pepper spray.

Whitaker said the store will remain closed while they clear the irritant out of the air.

The Columbia Police Department confirmed officers responded to the incident and that pepper spray was used and no injuries were reported.

Columbia Fire Department Battalion Chief Ryan Adams said firefighters were nearby on a different call, and responded to the scene.

A customer in the store at the time told ABC 17 News that they didn’t hear any fighting in the store, but they and others suddenly began coughing. Staff soon then asked everyone to leave the store.