Woman triggered bear spray while inside Pitt building, police say

University of Pittsburgh police believe a 28-year-old woman released bear spray — a type of pepper spray designed to deter bear attacks — inside a University of Pittsburgh building Monday, sickening six people.

Mary C. Siegert, address unknown, was charged with risking catastrophe and simple assault. Police believe she went into the Eureka Building in the 3400 block of Forbes Avenue about 12:40 p.m. Monday and released one can of bear spray. Witnesses said Ms. Siegert came into the building and asked several questions about the “Technology Center” before abruptly leaving and running down the street to catch a bus.

Moments after she left, according to a criminal complaint, those inside the Eureka Building began to experience symptoms of being exposed to pepper spray, including difficulty breathing.

The building was evacuated and six people received treatment from Pittsburgh EMS at the scene, according to the complaint.

Officers used surveillance video and canvassing to track down Ms. Siegert, according to the complaint. They found her walking on Fifth Avenue toward Bigelow Boulevard about 1:48 p.m., according to the complaint.

She was carrying two 8ounce cans of Grizzly Tough Bear Spray Counter Assault, according to police. One spent can was hidden in a ripped seam of her jacket, while the other was still in its original packaging in her backpack, according to the complaint.

Ms. Siegert told police she usually carried bear spray and said it sometimes goes off unintentionally. She said she may have bumped it. Officers, however, noted that she did not have any bear spray on her clothing or backpack.

She was charged with six counts of simple assault, risking catastrophe and possessing a prohibited weapon. She was being held in the Allegheny County Jail on Tuesday because she was not able to post a $5,000 bond. She could not be reached for comment.

Ms. Siegert is not affiliated with the university, spokesman Joe Miksch said Tuesday.