Antioch: 69 people treated for exposure to chemical at Hobby Lobby

ANTIOCH – Contra Costa County firefighters on Wednesday treated 69 people for exposure to a chemical consistent with bear or pepper spray at an Antioch Hobby Lobby, according to authorities.

At least three people were hospitalized, said Capt. Chris Toler of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. An update on their condition was not immediately available.

The incident happened around 2:50 p.m. at the Hobby Lobby at 5849 Lone Tree Way. Toler said employees called 911 to report the release of a chemical at the front of the store.

Crews arrived to find a mix of employees and customers suffering from exposure to a chemical that was “pretty consistent with bear spray or pepper spray,” Toler said.

“The store was pretty packed,” Toler said.

In addition to ventilating the store, crews searched for the individual who allegedly released the chemical and the chemical container, but did not find either, Toler said.

Antioch police officers joined firefighters at the scene, which was cleared by 5:45 p.m., Toler said.

Check back for updates.