Toddler Among Victims as Pepper-Spray-Wielding Thieves Injure 21 at Major Airport

Police arrested a 31-year-old man Sunday at a London airport following a robbery in which 21 people — including a 3-year-old child — were pepper-sprayed and required medical treatment, officials said.

The morning incident happened at Heathrow Airport’s parking garage when a group of four men stole a woman’s suitcase in an elevator and sprayed an irritant at her, the Metropolitan Police said.

“A woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction,” Commander Peter Stevens said in a statement, adding that passengers in the elevator and surrounding area were also affected.

Police said the suspects then fled the elevator following the incident. They appeared to be three young men dressed in all black with their heads covered, The Associated Press (AP) reported, citing a witness.

Video captured a swarm of officers rushing to the scene of the assault, visibly carrying large firearms as they navigated the multi-story parking garage. (Read more from “Toddler Among Victims as Pepper-Spray-Wielding Thieves Injure 21 at Major Airport” HERE)