WEST LEBANON, N.H. — Greenfield resident John Cahill, 41, is facing criminal charges after allegedly attacking a group of people with bear spray Friday outside of 110 Grill in West Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Officers responded to a report of a man spraying people with bear spray at around 8:30 p.m., according to the Lebanon Police Department.
Witnesses reportedly told police that Cahill had confronted four pedestrians who were crossing the road as he exited Interstate 89, Lebanon police said in a statement. In a fit of road rage, Cahill allegedly left his vehicle unattended and pursued the pedestrians as they walked toward the restaurant before spraying them with bear spray. Police said Cahill also “began to threaten patrons, challenging them to a fight.”
The involved pedestrians and some bystanders experienced symptoms from exposure to the bear spray, according to police. Bear spray contains capsaicin, a chemical component of chili peppers that is also the active ingredient in pepper spray, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Symptoms of exposure can include pain and irritation to the eyes, nose and lungs, as well as coughing, mucous generation and involuntary eye closure.
Cahill fled the area in a vehicle, according to police. He was later arrested and is being charged with six counts of simple assault and criminal threatening, both Class A misdemeanors. Additionally, he faces one charge of driving while impaired, a Class B misdemeanor, and four counts of disorderly conduct.
According to police, Cahill was held at the Grafton County House of Corrections to await an arraignment at the Second Circuit Lebanon District Court on Monday.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.