Incident Type: 
Hazmat
Dispatch: 
Thursday, February 14, 2019 - 6:51pm
Arrival: 
Thursday, February 14, 2019 - 7:01pm
Address: 
2300 block Talc Trail
Madison, WI
Narrative: 

A resident of a southwest side apartment complex came down with mysterious symptoms including watery eyes and a burning sensation in his nose and throat after stepping into the parking garage. After seeing a man wearing a mask and gloves leave the structure, the resident called 911 to report something suspicious.

Ladder Company 7 responded to the 2300 block of Talc Trail and located the man, who was last seen entering an apartment. When the man came to the door to let firefighters in after they buzzed his apartment, the crew immediately began coughing in his presence. After stepping out into fresh air, Ladder Company 7 was able to ask the man what was going on. He reported he was in the parking garage “practicing with pepper spray.” He said he wanted to make sure his dispenser worked, and to find out what symptoms people would experience if he sprayed someone.

Madison Police were asked to investigate why the occupant was practicing with pepper spray. Meanwhile, firefighters set up fans and ventilated the parking garage so no one else would experience these symptoms.

Posted 02/15/2019 - 11:06am
Contacts: 

Cynthia Schuster (Public Information Officer)