Bear repellent sprayed in Del Taco leads to hazmat evacuation

A Del Taco in Beaumont was evacuated Wednesday afternoon when someone apparently sprayed bear repellent in the restaurant, causing breathing problems and watery eyes for multiple people inside the restaurant.

The restaurant is located in the 400 block of East 4th Street.

Hazmat crews investigated the odor and told KESQ and CBS Local 2 that the odor leading to the evacuation was in fact bear repellent. We don’t know who is responsible for the repellent being sprayed in the business; Beaumont police are investigating.

Four adults and an infant were exposed to the repellent and were treated at the scene. The Del Taco was still closed Wednesday evening as firefighters were continuing to air-out the restaurant.