The Fruitport Township Police Department are asking for the public's help in locating a person of interest related to an incident where a plastic bottle filled with noxious chemicals ended up sickening four people.
It all happened Tuesday around 4: 30 p.m. at the Meijer located on Harvey Street. Police officers and firefighters responded to reports of a small gaseous cloud at the center of the store that smelt strongly of chlorine. The scene was promptly secured, and the plastic bottle from which the cloud was created was removed from the Home Goods area of the store, with the help of the Muskegon County Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Investigation determined the cloud of gas most likely resulted from the swimming pool type chemicals that were placed inside the bottle. Four people were treated at the hospital after getting sick from inhaling the gas but have since been released.
Police say the person of interest and their vehicle were spotted at the store and in the area while committing a retail fraud at the same time.
If you or anyone else recognizes the individual, or if you have any information regarding the incident, please don't hesitate to call Detective Sergeant Bryan Rypstra or Deputy Chief Greg Poulson at the Fruitport Twp. Police Department or Silent Observer at (231) 722-7463).