Chemical Agent Deployed Outside Lafayette Trader Joe’s Saturday

Odd incident outside the Lafayette Trader Joe’s store this morning with police and fire responding to reports of multiple people doused with bear spray, perhaps from a passing car.

The initial victim count of 7 to 12 people sickened was eventually downgraded after the arrival of first responders but at least two folks still went to the hospital for a precautionary examination.

Witnesses said they suddenly found it hard to breathe after a Mercedes driving through the store parking lot “at high speed” passed and people began to “cough, choke, and spit” – including at least one 4 year old child. The incident was reported at 10:41am.

Police have yet to comment on the incident. We’ll update this story should they do so in a timely manner.