Pepper Spray

Wreckless Driver Subdued by Pepper Spray

( posted 5 days ago )

In the news this week:

A 25-year-old driver from Benton, AK believed to be drunk, faces several charges after multiple car crashes on the Wal-Mart parking lot and a police pursuit that led to nearby Rose Cemetery on Monday.

The incidents began around 12:22 p.m. when Long crashed into a woman's car on the Wal-Mart parking lot and then left the area. Lt. Besancon would not release the name of the woman, but Police Chief Sipes said Tuesday that the woman is believed to be Long's former girlfriend.

The woman was sitting in her car when the drunk driver crashed the rear of the vehicle with his truck, Besancon said.

Police officer Besancon said the female called police to report the incident, and Long returned to the lot shortly after officers reached the site.

As Long continued on his vehicle-striking binge, he narrowly missed hitting officer Jason New, who was standing on the parking lot.

In an attempt to apprehend Long on the Wal-Mart lot, police sprayed him in the face with pepper spray, according to police. After Long was taken into custody, Detective Greg Little poured water on him to ease his pain, and sheriff's Sgt. Bruce Pennington used a cloth to dry Long's face.

What is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a concentrated solution of OC (oleoresin of capsicum) in a canister of aerosol.

Pepper spray is an effective way to deter an attacker. When used properly will allow a victim to escape a grasp or close threat of an aggressor. It is not a perfect form of protection, but when a person carries and has easy access to pepper spray the chances of escaping an attack are extremely high.

Pepper Spray History

In 1973, OC pepper spray was developed as an aerosol spray and was primarily used by F.B.I agents and USPS Postal Delivery people to incapacitate humans and animals on a temporary basis.

During the 1980's, it became a very widely used product by law enforcement officials, and soon after that it became available for use by the general public. Cannisters of OC pepper spray are now available to the general public for personal safety.

Pepper Spray vs. Other Types of Spray

Pepper sprays are generally considered to be immediately effective, more safe, and less toxic than other more outdated forms of tear gas or mace, such as o-chlorobenzyildene malononitrile (C.S.) or chloroacetophenone (C.N.).
Pepper spray is the safer and more efficient choice.

Pepper Spray and the Environment

The environment should be another consideration when choosing any spray product whatsoever. The spray can pressure is created by an ozone-friendly propellant that is non-toxic, non-flammable, ozone-friendly and free of CFCs and HCFCs.

Pepper spray Law Overview

In most states, you are required to be 18 years of age to possess pepper spray. In almost all states, it is illegal to use pepper spray for purposes other than defending yourself or your property.

Please check the laws in your local state for a better understanding of your pepper spray rights.

Pepper Spray Maintenance and Practice

Over time, you should regularly practice the use of your pepper spray and make sure that the pressure
level is OK. Sprays may lose pressure over time. It is recommended that you replace your pepper spray
every 2 years and use your old cannister for testing purposes.

Statistics, Pepper Spray Related

Here are some additional statistics that should remind us how important it is to be protected:

An assault of some kind happens every 10 seconds in the US.

Every 46 seconds, a burgulary occurs in the US.

1 in every 5 U.S. families will become a victim of crime each year.

Every year, 4.5 million dog attacks occur in the U.S.

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