Masked Man Unleashes Bear Spray Inside New York City Subway Train

Eight people were affected by a bear spray incident on a Union Square subway train in New York City on Sunday night (August 3). Four individuals were transported to hospitals, while the other four declined medical attention at the scene. All are expected to recover. The incident occurred on a southbound No. 4 train at the 14th Street-Union Square station shortly after 9:30 p.m.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is searching for a suspect described as a man around 30 years old, wearing a camouflage ski mask. According to WNBC, the suspect fled the scene after releasing the bear spray, which is typically used to deter aggressive bears by emitting a cloud of hot pepper oil that irritates the eyes and lungs. The suspect may have been involved in an argument with another person on the train before the incident, although details remain unclear.

Subway service in the area experienced brief disruptions due to the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.