Photo from Fitness Works Facebook page.
Morro Bay gym evacuated incident
– A Paso Robles man was arrested after disbursing pepper spray at a Morro Bay gym, prompting an evacuation and a response from the fire department, according to a report by the Morro Bay Police Department.
On Dec. 4 at approximately 7:56 a.m., officers from the Morro Bay Police Department responded to Fitness Works, located at 500 Quintana Road, after gym staff reported an alarm that caused the evacuation of over 30 members and employees. According to the report, those inside the building began coughing extensively for reasons initially unknown.
The Morro Bay Fire Department conducted a thorough inspection of the building, including a check for hazardous substances or issues with the HVAC system. Fire personnel found no unusual conditions and cleared the gym to resume operations.
Video surveillance from the gym showed Brent Edward Peterson, 52, of Paso Robles, disbursing pepper spray into the building’s main entrance before fleeing on a bicycle.
Peterson was later located and arrested without incident. He was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on felony charges, with bail set at $20,000.
The Morro Bay Police Department encourages residents to visit their website at morrobayca.gov or contact them at (805) 772-6225 for more information about their services.