8 treated, hotel evacuated after bear spray release in Manhattan

Eight people were treated after bear spray was released inside a Lower Manhattan hotel during a dispute between two guests, forcing the building to be evacuated, according to police and local media.

The incident happened at around 8:15 a.m. Monday inside the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown on Stone Street near Whitehall Street, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Police said they were investigating the use of bear spray inside the hotel after a dispute and asked people to avoid the area while officers responded. Guests were evacuated from the building.

The New York Post reported that the dispute involved two women who were staying at the hotel and knew each other.

Law enforcement sources told the newspaper that the women had gone to a Pride Week event together the night before and were arguing over luggage when one of them discharged the spray.

The 28-year-old woman who was apparently targeted was evaluated by emergency medical workers at the scene, along with several other people who were exposed to the spray, according to the report.

Officials said eight people in total needed medical treatment. Details about their conditions were not immediately released, but no serious injuries were reported.

The woman accused of releasing the spray fled the hotel and had not been arrested hours later, the New York Post reported. Police have not released her identity.