Colorado Springs Walmart evacuated due to strange smell; pepper spray suspected

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) confirms that the Walmart Supercenter on 8th Street was evacuated due to a strange smell.

CSFD says employees reported a strange smell and a burning sensation in their throats. CSFD says they responded and evacuated the full store as a precaution.

According to CSFD, they believe the smell was caused by a used bottle of pepper spray. The store has since been reopened.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) confirmed an investigation revealed an employee, Suzanne Boggs, had released a personal protective spray and was arrested. CSPD confirmed to KRDO13 that Boggs was charged with a misdemeanor, given a summons and will appear in court at a later date.

CSPD says the spray was set off in the women's bathroom, and the Walmart was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Six patients were evaluated on the scene but were medically cleared, according to CSFD.

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