Baby Rushed to Hospital After Pepper Spray Used During Brawl at Local Restaurant

A confrontation that escalated into chaos at a Longhorn Steakhouse in Cheektowaga left a baby hospitalized and several others, including children, exposed to pepper spray, according to police said.

According to Cheektowaga police, officers were called to the restaurant on Walden Avenue shortly before 9pm Monday following reports of a large fight involving about 15 people. Dispatchers were also informed that pepper spray had been discharged, affecting multiple children.

When officers arrived, they did not observe any active fighting. Investigators later determined that the incident began with a verbal dispute between two women from different groups inside the restaurant. Police said it remains unclear if the women were acquainted prior to the argument.

One group, celebrating a birthday, was seated at a table inside Longhorn Steakhouse. The other group was gathered near the host stand at the restaurant’s front entrance. Children were present in both groups.

According to police, the two women clashed in the vestibule area and during the dispute another woman from the birthday party approached. She sprayed pepper spray directly into the face of the woman who had been arguing with her friend. Officials said the act appeared to be unprovoked and without warning.

The spray quickly dispersed throughout the vestibule, causing exposure to others nearby including children. A 1-year-old inhaled the substance began experiencing difficulty breathing and was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.

Baby Rushed to Hospital After Pepper Spray Used During Brawl at Local Restaurant