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Pepper spray released inside Westfield Countryside harms 15 people

 
Published Aug. 2, 2015

CLEARWATER — Fifteen people were treated for respiratory-related problems Saturday night after someone shot pepper spray into an elevator shaft at Westfield Countryside, according to the Clearwater Fire Department.

People began coughing and reacting negatively around 8:15 p.m. inside the mall's JCPenney, authorities said. Of the 15 people treated on scene, four had to be transported to the hospital.

Authorities said witnesses described seeing two young adults playing around with pepper spray. Authorities think the pepper spray, once released, drifted into the air conditioning ventilation system and filtered through the store.

No suspects have been named, but authorities will review mall security footage once they finish taking care of the victims.