Contra Costa County Fire’s hazmat team was dispatched to a Hobby Lobby in Antioch after receiving calls about a possible aerosol or vapor being released inside the store.
According to Con Fire, three people were hospitalized.
At the time of the incident, 69 employees and customers were inside the store.
The Antioch Police Department said a man deployed bear spray after being asked to leave.
Con Fire could not locate a canister but confirmed smelling something similar to bear or pepper spray.
Multiple people were hospitalized with symptoms such as eye/skin irritation or respiratory problems.
The Antioch Police Department is investigating.