JACKSON, Wyo. — What’s the fastest way to clear a dance floor?
On Friday night, Aug. 16, around 11 p.m., the dance floor at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar emptied out when an “unidentified female patron” released bear spray, according to a statement by the establishment.
About 200 patrons flooded out of the bar, gathering on Cache Street, according to Russ Ruschill of the Jackson Police Department (JPD). Bar staff called JPD to the scene, and by the time officers arrived, employees had already set up fans to blow the peppery air out toward the street. Musicians playing that night had been close to the blast, so they packed up their gear and headed out. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Ruschill told Buckrail that video footage from inside the bar led officers to suspect a woman whose behavior looked suspicious. JPD is working to publicize a photo of the suspect so they can locate her and ask questions.
“If it was done intentionally, it could be charged as assault or battery,” Ruschill said. “If it was an accident, then, OK, that stuff happens. If it was intentional, we certainly want to talk to the person and make sure that behavior doesn’t continue.”
Anyone with knowledge of the situation is encouraged to contact JPD at (307) 733-1430.
“The health and safety of our staff and our patrons is always a top priority,” Cowboy Bar General Manager Jackie Lewis said in a statement. “We are sorry this sole perpetrator ended an evening of great fun at The Cowboy. A big thank you to the staff for their professional response mitigating the situation quickly.”
Anyone who is accidentally exposed to bear spray should expect painful eye irritation for about 45 minutes but no lasting damage, according to BearWise. Combat the effects by washing the eyes repeatedly with clear water and patting dry, resisting the urge to rub the eyes.
