Helicopters flew overhead and sirens blared on Monday afternoon, March 16, shortly after 2 p.m., as Alameda Fire Department (AFD) responded to a report of a suspected hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident that injured several people in the 700 block of Santa Clara Avenue.
Initially, a fire engine passing the address and one fire medic unit had been flagged down to provide patient care, according to an AFD report [1] on Instagram.
“The incident was subsequently upgraded to a confirmed HAZMAT and Multi-Casualty Incident (MCI),” AFD stated. “A joint-agency response followed, totaling six Chief Officers, two Battalion Chiefs, two Truck companies, four Engine companies, three Hazardous Materials companies, six Medical units, one Staff unit, one Care Team, one Fire Prevention unit, and one Falck Ambulance Supervisor.”
Santa Clara Avenue was closed between Webster and Page streets, and some residents in the immediate area were contacted to evacuate, while others were told to shelter in place.
One adult and one child were taken to Highland Hospital in Oakland. Four other people suffered injuries after inhaling the substance but declined to be transported to the hospital, according to AFD.
Fire officials later confirmed that the hazardous substance was bear spray, which had been intentionally aimed at the doorway of a residence within the apartment complex. The building manager said the incident may be linked to a former tenant who had previously been asked to leave the building, according to a KTVU News [2] report.
A person of interest has been identified, AFD Public Information Officer Kevin Tidwell told KTVU. “The person of interest went into the building and sprayed bear spray. The Alameda Police Department is currently conducting an investigation,” Tidwell said. Authorities did not release any additional information about the person of interest.
A decontamination station was established at the scene and the substance was ultimately neutralized. Firefighters were on scene for approximately four hours. Alameda Municipal Power, PG&E, the Alameda Police department, and the Alameda County Fire Department all provided assistance. Additionally, Alameda Recreation and Parks assisted with opening a temporary refuge center.
All evacuations were later lifted for the apartment complex and adjoining buildings, and all roads were reopened.
Update: According to a recent APD update [3], during the investigation, officers identified a vehicle of interest. With the assistance of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), officers located and arrested the suspect shortly after 5:00 p.m. on March 16.