Pepper Spray Clears Out Sky Zone in Columbia: Officials

COLUMBIA, MD – One person was taken to the hospital for evaluation after someone discharged pepper spray at Sky Zone in Columbia on Saturday afternoon, emergency officials reported.

The trampoline park in the 7100 block of Oakland Mills Road was briefly closed so first responders could investigate a hazmat call that came in when pepper spray was discharged after 2 p.m., according to Firefighter/Paramedic P. Marc Fischer, spokesman for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

It was not immediately known who had the pepper spray, although Fischer told Patch it was discharged in the midst of the area where people were jumping.

Paramedics evaluated multiple people as a precaution but Fischer said that most of their symptoms—runny nose, coughing, feeling of pepper flooding the airways—subsided once they got into the fresh air.

One person went to the hospital because of the "lingering effects of pepper spray," officials said.

Once fire officials checked the meters and all was clear, the facility was reopened, according to Fischer, who said that the air conditioning system took care of the issue.

By 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, officials said Sky Zone had reopened and first responders were leaving the area.

Fischer said the Howard County Police Department was investigating the incident.

Pictured, first responders outside Sky Zone on Oakland Mills Road on Saturday, March 12. Photo Credit: Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.