Buffalo, NY – A 1-year-old baby was hospitalized and multiple patrons, including children, were exposed to pepper spray during an altercation at a Longhorn Steakhouse in Cheektowaga, just east of Buffalo, New York, on Monday night, according to police.
How the Incident Began
Authorities said the disturbance started as a verbal argument between two women from separate groups of diners. One group was celebrating a birthday, while the other was seated near the front of the restaurant. Police noted it remains unclear whether the women knew each other prior to the confrontation.
Pepper Spray Released Inside the Restaurant
During the argument, another woman from the birthday celebration allegedly walked toward the front area of the restaurant and sprayed pepper spray directly into the face of the woman who was arguing. At the time of the incident, the woman who was targeted was holding a baby, witnesses reported. A witness described the scene, stating:
“Not only was she getting hit, and the baby she was holding getting hit, but that basically penetrated throughout the whole entire restaurant. And all those small particles from that one spray basically lit up the entire restaurant.”
Effects on Patrons
Following the spray, numerous diners began coughing and vomiting as the chemical quickly spread throughout the dining area. The 1-year-old child was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo due to difficulty breathing, while the woman who was directly sprayed was also hospitalized for evaluation and decontamination as per reports.
Suspect Fled the Scene
The alleged assailant had already left the restaurant before officers arrived. Police reported that no patrons at the scene were willing to identify her, complicating the ongoing investigation.
Community Concerns
Incidents involving pepper spray in public spaces can pose severe health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Experts note that pepper spray exposure can lead to breathing problems, eye irritation, nausea, and in rare cases, hospitalization.
Restaurants and public establishments are especially vulnerable to such incidents due to confined spaces, where even a single spray can quickly affect dozens of people.
Law Enforcement Response
The Cheektowaga Police Department is continuing its investigation and has urged anyone with information about the suspect to come forward. Authorities emphasized the importance of community cooperation in resolving violent disturbances that endanger innocent bystanders.
Staying Safe in Public Settings
Law enforcement officials recommend that people remain vigilant in crowded areas and report suspicious or aggressive behavior early to prevent conflicts from escalating. Families are also reminded to keep emergency contacts handy in case of unexpected medical situations…