Man sprays bear repellent at NYC Pride March crowd in Washington Square Park, 51 hurt
Published in News & Features
NEW YORK — A man sprayed bear repellent into a crowd of Pride March revelers in Manhattan’s Washington Square Park on Sunday, injuring 51 people, police said Monday.
Dominic Sabator, 33, of Harlem, told cops he unleashed the powerful spray because he believed he was about to be jumped.
He was arrested for assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a noxious chemical — bear repellent in a clear container adorned with a picture of a bear.
The incident just past 8:30 p.m. Sunday sparked panic, with people running in all directions from the crowded park. The park was packed with revelers after the Pride Parade down Fifth Avenue wrapped up. The parade draws up to 2 million people.
Medics treated 47 people at the scene, with four others taken to Bellevue Hospital and two taken to Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital.
Bear repellent can be up to three times more potent than the pepper spray often used to fight off muggers.
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