PORTER RANCH, Calif. (AP) - One shopper says he heard screaming and yelling at a Southern California Walmart -- and moments later, his throat was stinging, and he was "coughing really bad and watering up."
Matthew Lopez told the Los Angeles Times what happened after a woman used pepper spray on a crowd of shoppers, while trying to defend her own chance to get some cheap electronics.
The attack took place at around 10:20 p.m. last night, shortly after doors opened for the sale in Porter Ranch in the San Fernando valley.
The store had brought out a crate of discounted Xbox video game players. A crowd had formed to wait for the unwrapping. Police say the woman began spraying people "in order to get an advantage."
Ten people were slightly injured by the spray, while 10 others suffered minor bumps and bruises in the chaos.
The woman got away in the confusion. Police say it's not clear whether she got an Xbox. They say the store is looking through the register receipts to try to find out. If she's found, she could face felony battery charges.
The store remained open, and people continued shopping.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
