COBB COUNTY, Ga. — An argument between two women at a metro Atlanta hotel escalated to the point where multiple people needed medical treatment, according to police.
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The incident happened just after 6 p.m. on June 20 at the Embassy Suites on Akers Mill Road.
Cobb County police said two women became involved in a verbal dispute in the hotel’s covered pool area. During the confrontation, one of the women pulled out a canister of bear spray and sprayed it, hitting the other woman, her daughter, and numerous bystanders.
Authorities said 15 people were treated and evaluated by Cobb County Fire personnel at the scene. Eight of the victims were children.
“What started as a normal day at the pool ended with medics rushing to help several adults and eight children,” Cobb County police officer Aaron Wilson said.
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Police said victims were in significant pain as first responders treated them.
According to the National Park Service, bear spray can travel between 20 and 40 feet at speeds exceeding 70 mph. Officers stated that the enclosed pool area likely made the effects worse because the airborne particles had nowhere to disperse.
“When you deploy this bear spray, the particles will dissipate into the air, and there’s nowhere for them to go when you’re in an enclosure,” Wilson said.
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Doctors say exposure to bear spray can cause burning of the eyes and skin, along with coughing and shortness of breath.
The suspect fled before officers arrived. Through their investigation, detectives identified the woman as Porsha Lidell and obtained warrants charging her with cruelty to children, battery and reckless conduct.
Police said Lidell does not live in Georgia, and investigators do not currently know her whereabouts.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cobb County Police Department.
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