Vancouver man allegedly pepper-sprays clinic patients, staff

A Vancouver man was arrested Thursday afternoon after he allegedly walked into a medical clinic and used pepper spray inside the lobby, hurting people nearby, according to the Vancouver Police Department.

The disturbance was reported around 1:40 p.m. at a PeaceHealth Medical Group clinic at 16811 S.E. McGillivray Blvd. in east Vancouver. Arriving police officers found several patients and staff members complaining of respiratory irritation.

India Littler, who was visiting the clinic at the time, said the man pepper-sprayed the entry doors and bushes at the front of the building.

“Within minutes, almost everyone in the waiting room started to cough, wretch, experience teary eyes, dizziness, etc.,” she said.

No one was seriously injured, according to Vancouver police. Littler said clinic staff distributed face masks and water, as well as opened the doors to ventilate the building.

Police found a can of pepper spray, along with the man believed to have used it, Christopher J. Briggs, 28. He was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of four counts of fourth-degree assault.