Topeka Fire Department respond to TJ Maxx evacuation

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Shawnee County Dispatch confirms that the Topeka Fire Department was called to the TJ Maxx at 2107 SW Wanamaker Rd., after receiving reports about a strange odor that caused many employees and customers to begin coughing inside the store. According to dispatch, the call came in around 5:26 pm Saturday.

A shopper on the scene told 13 NEWS emergency crews were called after multiple people inside the store started coughing. The shopper says there were reports that someone released pepper spray near the entrance doors of the TJ Maxx.

However, it is unclear if the pepper spray was sprayed on purpose.

The shopper also says the store was evacuated and AMR responded and provided breathing treatments to employees and customers.

Dispatch says emergency crews were able to clear the scene around 6:40 pm.

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