Man arrested for chasing multiple people with bear spray, threatening woman with knife.

 

 A man in Marlinton, West Virginia was arrested on Tuesday after he was accused of threatening a woman and injuring a man with bear spray and a baseball bat.

According to the Pocahontas County Sheriff's Department, Taylor Cook, 37, is charged with malicious assault and wounding, domestic assault and brandishing a deadly weapon.

The incidents happened at the Mini Park on First Avenue and the Greenbrier Grille in Marlinton.

Witnesses told deputies that Cook first chased a woman with bear spray and a club, threatening to kill her. A bystander intervened by pointing a gun at Cook, forcing him to stop. The woman said she feared for her life.

In another incident, deputies said they found a man with a head wound and bear spray all over him after Cook fled the scene. The man said Cook got out of a vehicle, sprayed him with bear spray, and hit him with a baseball bat multiple times.

Cook is currently in Southern Regional Jail with bond set at $30,000.

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Bear spray is a powerful deterrent used to stop aggressive bears.

 The main ingredient is capsaicin, which is also what makes chili peppers hot. When sprayed, it creates a cloud that irritates the bear's eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. This causes a burning sensation, temporary blindness, and difficulty breathing, effectively stopping a charging bear in its tracks.

Here's a breakdown of the effects of bear spray on bears:

    Eyes: The bear will experience intense stinging and burning, forcing them to shut their eyes.
    Nose and Throat: Inflammation and irritation will make it difficult for the bear to breathe.
    Lungs: The bear will cough and wheeze as the capsaicin irritates the lungs.

These effects are all temporary and won't cause permanent harm to the bear if used correctly. The discomfort is enough to convince the bear to abandon the attack and leave the area.

It's important to remember that bear spray can also affect humans. If you accidentally get sprayed, the effects will be similar to what the bear experiences. Here are some tips for decontaminating yourself if you get sprayed:

    Flush your eyes with cool, clean water for at least 15 minutes.
    Wash your nose and mouth with water.
    Remove contaminated clothing and wash them thoroughly.
    Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can spread the capsaicin.

Bear spray is a very effective tool for deterring aggressive bears, but it's important to use it correctly and be aware of the potential effects on humans as well.

(AI)