Suspect 'Intentionally' Threw Bear Spray Into Alameda Apartment Complex: Police

ALAMEDA, CA — One person was arrested on suspicion of intentionally exposing residents in an Alameda neighborhood to bear spray, prompting an evacuation, authorities said.

It's unclear why the suspect set off the chemical agent or whether they knew any of the people who were impacted by it.

The suspect intentionally threw the bear spray at the doorway of a residence within an apartment complex along the 700 block of Santa Clara Avenue on Monday, according to the Alameda Police Department.

Authorities didn't know what chemical agent had been deployed at the time, prompting fire crews to establish a hazard zone, police said. Some people were forced to evacuate while others were told to shelter in place as authorities handled the situation.

At least six people appeared to have been exposed to the bear spray. Two were taken to local hospitals for further evaluation, while four others were treated and released at the scene, police said.

Officers were able to identify a "vehicle of interest" that may have been involved in the incident. They then found the suspect a few hours later with the help of Automated License Plate Readers.

Details about the extent of the people's injuries remain unclear. Bear spray is a non-lethal deterrent that causes intense irritation when exposed to it.