Bangor Police Identify Substance Discharged During Penobscot Theatre Performance

Bangor police have closed the investigation into an accidental release of an airborne irritant during a performance of "Ripcord" at the Penobscot Theatre earlier this month.

Police and members of the Bangor Fire Department responded to the theater on March 16 to investigate an accidental discharge of an airborne irritant. Theatre staff turned over a canister of what was labeled inert (training) pepper spray. The canister had been used in a stage performance that same evening.

Laboratory testing confirmed the canister did contain, oleoresin “capsicum” more commonly known as pepper spray.

The investigation revealed no criminal intent. therefore police said the investigation into the matter is closed.