JONESBORO, Ark. More than two dozen people became ill after inhaling a substance believed to have been sprayed inside an IHOP restaurant, police said. Authorities were trying to determine the source of the substance that forced the restaurant's evacuation Tuesday evening. Some customers were gasping for air, and one complained of shortness of breath and a burning sensation in his nose and throat. Four were taken to hospitals, police said. "Due to the symptoms of the victims, it is believed that some substance, such as tear gas or some similar substance, may have been sprayed in the seating area of the restaurant," Patrolman Jonathan Landrum said.
The manager for the Jonesboro restaurant did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Patrick Lenow, a spokesman for Glendale, Calif.-based IHOP, said he was not aware of the incident and had no immediate comment.