Pepper spray hurts several in toy store

NEW YORK – At least three people were hospitalized and others suffered irritated eyes Saturday after someone released pepper spray at Toys “R” Us’ flagship store during the busy holiday shopping weekend, fire and police spokesmen said.

Police were reviewing video camera footage to find out who discharged the spray inside an elevator at the toy chain’s Times Square store.

It was unclear how many shoppers were affected. Firefighter Kevin Nolan said five people were taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital and 17 others were treated at the scene or refused medical attention. Police said three people were taken to St. Vincent’s and nine refused medical attention.

Two people were released from the hospital within a few hours while one remained for further treatment, said Marlene Bloom, a spokeswoman for St. Vincent’s.

Susan McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for Toys “R” Us, said the incident was under investigation but declined to elaborate. “We are cooperating fully with the police,” she said.

The store was not evacuated; within a few hours it was packed with shoppers who were unaware of the incident. The 110,000-square-foot store, which opened in 2001, features a 60-foot indoor Ferris wheel.