Bear spray incident forces early closure at St. Louis warehouse store

Shoppers at Johnnie Brock’s Warehouse in south St. Louis dealt with irritated eyes and throats on Monday afternoon after an 18-year-old woman sprayed bear mace near the entrance. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that three people were affected by the substance, and one individual was transported to a hospital for treatment. The store closed early to address the situation and has since returned to its regular schedule.

The incident began with a dispute between the suspect and two customers whose identities have not been released. According to police, the 18-year-old retrieved a canister of bear spray from a vehicle and discharged it near the building. Edwin Brock, the store owner, stated he was standing near the gate when the spray hit his eyes. He described the fumes as drifting onto merchandise at the front of the store, causing the interior to fill with the scent.

Brock noted that one of the individuals involved in the initial argument was a former employee. He said the confrontation had not occurred at his location before. Brock described the physical reaction to the spray as severe, stating he had to sit down because he could not open his eyes. He called the substance "nasty" despite not being a bear.

Witnesses inside the store reported immediate physical reactions. One parent said she and her children experienced irritation in their eyes and throats. Another mother, who was buying Halloween costumes for her three children, said the group had trouble breathing. Two of her children vomited, and she left the store without completing her purchase. Brock observed that some customers remained in the store to finish their shopping despite coughing.

Surveillance cameras at the warehouse recorded the event. Brock provided the footage to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. The suspect left the scene after the confrontation and has not yet been charged. Police are currently working to locate and take her into custody.

Brock said he removed all products that were exposed to the spray before reopening. The store is now operating under its normal hours. He expressed frustration with the incident, noting that the business represents his personal investment and effort.