Woman in Wal-Mart pepper spray attack was 'competitive shopping'
A woman who pepper-sprayed other shoppers Thursday night at the Wal-Mart in Porter Ranch had armed herself with the caustic spray to gain an advantage in the fight for merchandise at the Black Friday sale, a fire captain said.
The woman, who is still being sought, used the spray in more than one area of the Wal-Mart "to gain preferred access to a variety of locations in the store," said Los Angeles Fire Capt. James Carson.
"She was competitive shopping," he said.
Twenty customers, including children, were hurt in the 10:10 p.m. incident. Shoppers complained of minor skin and eye irritation and sore throats, he said.
Black Friday's sales began at the Wal-Mart at 10 p.m. and featured door-buster sales on toys, including $5 Bratz dolls, $10 Wii video games and $29 tricycles.
ALSO:
L.A. council wants to clear up when cyclists can use sidewalks
Kitten, stuck in hole, draws multi-agency rescue team in El Cajon
Wal-Mart customer in Porter Ranch pepper sprays other shoppers; 20 hurt
-- Andrew Blankstein and Jack Leonard