No Leads in Pepper Spray Incident at Crowded Store : Aftermath: Lack of information stymies authorities probing the apparent release of the substance, which forced the evacuation of 300 shoppers in Mission Viejo.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials said Wednesday that they have no leads or suspects and will not actively investigate the apparent release of pepper spray in a crowded Target store Tuesday evening that forced the evacuation of about 300 holiday shoppers.

“Nobody really saw what happened, so there’s very little we can do at this point,” said Lt. Kim Markison. “We have no leads, no suspect information and nothing to follow up on. Unless someone comes forward, we don’t have anything to work on.”

A review of store surveillance tapes proved inconclusive, Markison said.

“It could have been accidental or intentional,” Markison said. “At this point, we just don’t know.”

Fire officials received a 911 call just after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday reporting an unknown substance causing respiratory problems for customers and employees at the Target store in the 24500 block of Alicia Parkway.

More than 300 people were evacuated after shoppers and employees near the garden supply and auto parts departments complained of dizziness, nausea and a pungent odor.

At least eight people were rushed to local hospitals, where six were treated and released. Two people were admitted to Irvine Medical Center and were released Wednesday morning, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Seven others were treated at the scene by paramedics.

The Target store does not sell pepper spray, which is intended for use in self-defense. This is the first incident of pepper spray misuse reported in Orange County, said Sheriff’s Lt. Rex Hatch.

Store officials would not comment Wednesday on the incident.